Generation 2 VENUS LEVL Probe design hits milestone

A swarm of LEVL (Leading Edge Vortex Lift) probes is designed to operate within the dense and hostile atmosphere of Venus, specifically targeting the upper cloud layer, where conditions are both extreme and intriguing. These probes will be deployed to meticulously measure the winds that sweep through this thick layer of clouds, which are primarily composed of sulfuric acid droplets. Understanding the wind patterns is crucial, as they can influence atmospheric circulation and contribute to the planet's overall climate dynamics.

In addition to wind measurements, the LEVL probes will also focus on assessing the acidity levels of the cloud droplets. This is particularly important because the high acidity indicates complex chemical processes occurring within the atmosphere. By analysing the droplet acidity, scientists aim to gain insights into the chemical composition of Venus's atmosphere, which could reveal more about its geological history and potential for past habitability. The data collected by these probes will enhance our understanding of the Venusian atmosphere and contribute to the broader field of planetary science, as researchers compare Venus's atmospheric phenomena with those of Earth and other celestial bodies.

The deployment of multiple LEVL probes allows for a comprehensive and simultaneous collection of data across various locations within the cloud layer, increasing the likelihood of capturing transient atmospheric events and variations in both wind speed and chemical composition. This swarm approach not only improves the reliability of the data collected but also enables a more detailed mapping of the atmospheric conditions, leading to a better understanding of the dynamic processes at play in this alien environment.

• LEVL Probe mass 30 g

• Wingspan 200 mm

• A “swarm” of 30 probes

Designed to Measure:

• Large-scale wind vectors (from the position of each probe in the swarm)

• Small-scale wind speeds (from an anemometer on each probe)

• pH (with controlled exposure of sensing element)

• Ammonia (with controlled exposure of the sensing element)

• Temperature & pressure