Scientists are developing a mission to collect and analyze Venus’ atmospheric samples on Earth. The VATMOS-SR (Venus ATMOSphere – Sample Return) mission seeks to deepen our understanding of Venus and its divergence from Earth. By targeting the upper atmosphere, researchers hope to unravel the planet‘s enigmatic evolution and its implications for planetary science.
Previous discussions about Venus exploration have primarily focused on atmospheric studies using remote sensing and in-situ measurements. The VATMOS-SR mission distinguishes itself by prioritizing the return of physical samples, enabling more detailed laboratory analyses. This approach could provide unprecedented insights into the composition and dynamics of Venus’ atmosphere, extending beyond what remote technologies have achieved so far.
What Are VATMOS-SR’s Primary Goals?
The mission aims to identify the sources of volatile elements within Venus’ atmosphere, assess changes in these elements over billions of years, and investigate the process of outgassing from Venus’ interior. By collecting liter-sized samples at high altitudes, VATMOS-SR will provide critical data to understand why Venus and Earth, despite their similarities in size and position, have such vastly different evolutionary paths.
How Will VATMOS-SR Overcome Sampling Challenges?
The mission addresses high-velocity sampling by employing advanced technologies to minimize gas fractionation during collection. Dr. Guillaume Avice explained,
“The great advantage is that instruments in our laboratories are very precise for determining the abundance and isotopic composition of volatile elements.”
Efforts are focused on refining probe designs and conducting statistical studies in collaboration with NASA to ensure the integrity of the samples upon return.
What Are the Next Steps for VATMOS-SR?
A collaborative team from Europe, America, and Japan is preparing to submit VATMOS-SR to the upcoming ESA call for F-class missions. Supported by CNES, the French space agency, the project aims to commence development activities by 2026 if selected. This collaboration underscores the international commitment to exploring Venus and enhancing our understanding of its atmospheric conditions.
The VATMOS-SR mission builds upon previous concepts like Cupid’s Arrow, evolving to prioritize sample return rather than in-situ analysis. This strategic shift enables more comprehensive scientific investigations, leveraging Earth-based laboratories’ capabilities. The mission also contributes to broader planetary science objectives, including the study of exoplanetary atmospheres by providing a comparative framework based on in-depth analysis of Venus.
Successful implementation of VATMOS-SR could significantly advance our knowledge of Venus’ atmospheric history and its starkly different environment compared to Earth. The ability to analyze returned samples with high precision will likely offer answers to longstanding questions about planetary habitability and atmospheric evolution, informing future missions and scientific inquiries.
