Buoyant Venus Descender: Design of an Atmospheric Probe for the Scientific Study of Venus

The design of an atmospheric probe to Venus, called the Buoyant Venus Descender (BVD) is described . The purpose of the BVD is to provide a platform for scientific study of the middle atmosphere of Venus. It is design ed to survive in th is section of the Venusian environment for a minimum of two weeks while collecting scientific data at an altitude of approximately 55 km. In order to do this, the BVD is designed to withstand high entry forces , high entry temperatures, a corrosive atmosphere, and high winds. The BVD employs balloon and balloon deployment technology in its design in order to accomplish this objective. A helium filled balloon is used to keep an instrumentation gondola afloat. Th is balloon is a pumpkin sha ped, super pressure balloon made of polyethylene with a metalized inner surface.