There are several engineering issues that come with deploying a lander all the way to Venus, which makes it hard to spend a full day probing through its surface.
Venus' Surface
According to Science Alert, the average surface temperature of earth's evil twin is 455 degrees Celsius, which is high enough to melt lead. Moreover, the chemical mix in the atmosphere, which includes sulfuric acid, is also corrosive to other metals. The planet's crushing pressure is roughly the same as being 1,500 meters under water.
Given these extreme environmental conditions that are hot enough to destroy electronics and metals, the few lander missions set for Venus were only able to last two hours at most when they reached the surface. NASA reports that a big issue lies in how scientists can devise a battery that can work in conditions that are strong enough to boil electrolytes and melt lead. In order to endure the conditions of Venus' surface, future landers and rovers would need to be equipped with extraordinary features.
ALSO READ: Venus Is Earth's Evil Twin; Here's Why
NASA, ATB Create Battery That Can Withstand Venus' Extreme Conditions
Now, NASA and ATB (Advanced Thermal Batteries, Inc.) have collaborated to come up with a battery that demonstrates the capacity to work amidst these extreme environmental conditions. This is the first battery that can work for an entire solar day at Venus.
The technology has a resilient design and distinct chemistry that capitalizes on the methodology often used for powering smart missiles. The battery system is still being developed. However, current results show that this capacity to work in harsh conditions may become a reality soon. This may serve as a new storage device for energy in future explorations across areas of the solar system with harsh conditions.
Dr. Kevin Wepasnick, project engineer at ATB, says that the technology demonstration is a massive accomplishment that many could not have expected to be possible.
In order to power and activate a Venus lander, batteries are the only way. Because of the light levels on the surface, solar panels do not appear to be viable options. Moreover, because RTG (radioisotope thermoelectric generator) needs a heat source to be brought to the Venusian surface and because heat is already a serious challenge, such an approach is also not viable.
Thermal batteries, however, can make the most of the conditions and heat a distinct hot electrolyte that is solid and inert at typical room temperature. They can also operate even without thermal insulation and pyrotechnics.
NASA reports that such a battery system has exhibited capabilities to operate in extreme temperatures for unprecedented durations. It also has a foundational role in a new paradigm for Venusian landers and battery technology.
This thermal battery work is part of an overarching project that aims to create a small Venus lander. This lander is now called LLISSE (Long-Lived In Situ Solar System Explorer).
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