HAVOC

High Altitude Venus Operational Concept

Final Presentation

Dr. Dale Arney and Chris Jones

Space Mission Analysis Branch

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
1

Contributors
Mission Architecture
Craig HutchinsonSMAB
Matt SimonSMAB

Paul SpethSMAB
Taneal FultonLARSS

D.R. KomarVAB
Bill MooreNIA

Vehicle Concept
Sharon JefferiesSMAB
Dave CorneliusAMA
John DecSTSB

Rafael LugoAMA/AFESB
Mark MooreASAB
Tom OzoroskiAMA/ASAB

John Van NormanAMA/AFESB

Carlie ZumwaltAFESB
Alan WilhiteNIA

Proof of Concept
Dave NorthSMAB
Julie Williams-ByrdSMAB
Zack BassettLARSS
Jim ClarkLARSS

Anthony HennigLARSS
Jessica SnyderLARSS
Mia SiochiRD
Godfrey SautiRD

James LanaRD
Yi LinRD
Gary WainwrightAMC
Rob AndrewsAMC

Study Support
J.D. ReevesSMAB
Kevin EarleSMAB
Nicole McDonaldLAMPS/SMAB
Kandyce GoodliffSMAB
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Dave HeltonACL
Bob EvangelistaACL
Chris KeblitisACL
Kevin GreerACL
Vehicle Concept

Josh SamsACL
Leanne TroutmanACL

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
2

What does the future look like?

Humans as a spacefaring civilization: Humans explore to
Satisfy curiosity
Acquire resources
Start a new life

Venus is a destination for humans to reside

Nearest planet to Earth
Abundance of useful resources: energy, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen
Atmosphere is a hospitable environment

Venus as a stepping stone to Mars

Orbital mechanics:
- Shorter missions (14 month total duration) with similar propulsion requirements
- Abort-to-Earth available anytime after Venus arrival

Similar technologies are required and/or can be used: long-duration habitats,

aerobraking/aerocapture, carbon dioxide processing
Serve as a test case for operations to/at/from another world

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
3

What does the past look like?

PIONEER

MAGELLAN

VEGA

VENERA

GALILEO

CASSINI

VENUS EXPRESS

MESSENGER
TODAY

PIONEER

VEGA

Sustained Presence
Short Term Mission

VENERA

Surface

Atmosphere

Orbit/Flyby

MARINER

Programs w/o Active Missions

Colors:
United States Soviet Union
Europe/International

VENERA
VEGA
1960s

Introduction

1970s
Mission Architecture

1980s
Vehicle Concept

1990s

2000s

Proof of Concept

2010s
Conclusion
4

Objectives for Venus

Science Objectives (VEXAGVenus Exploration Analysis Group)
I. Understand atmospheric formation, evolution, and climate history on Venus.
II. Understand the nature of interior-surface-atmosphere interactions over time,
including whether liquid water was ever present.
III. Determine the evolution of the surface and interior of Venus.

Human Objectives
IV. Reduce risks and advance technologies for human exploration of the solar
system.
- A. Demonstrate the ability for humans to survive and operate in deep space and
around planetary bodies.
- B. Develop advanced technologies that will enable humans to visit planetary
destinations.

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
5

3: Directly answers

2: Major contribution

1: Minor contribution

0: Does not address

I. Understand atmospheric formation, evolution, and

climate history on Venus.

Goals

Objective

Investigation

1. Measure relative abundances of Ne, O isotopes, bulk

A. How did the atmosphere of Venus form
Xe, Kr, other noble gases to determine origin
and evolve?
2. Measure isotopes of noble gases, D/H, 15N/14N, O & H
escape rates
1. Characterize atmospheric super-rotation and global
circulation, zonal/meridional winds (surface to 120 km)
B. What is the nature of the radiative and
2. Determine atmospheric radiative balance and
dynamical energy balance on Venus (e.g.
temperature profile (surface to 140 km)
super-rotation and greenhouse)?
3. Characterize small-scale atmospheric vertical motion
(due to convection and local/gravity waves)
1. Characterize meteorology/chemistry of middle cloud
layer: aerosols, particles, vertical motion
C. What are the morphology, chemical
2. Characterize greenhouse aerosols and gases:
makeup, and variability of the Venus clouds,
composition, production & loss, role in radiative balance
their roles in the radiative/dynamical energy
3. Characterize lightning/discharge strength, frequency,
balance, and impact on climate? Does
variation; determine role in trace gas/aerosols
habitable zone harbor life?
4. Characterize biologically-relevant cloud/gas
chemistry, including 13C/12C and complex organics
1. Measure isotopic D/H in atmosphere, and key isotope
A. Did Venus ever have surface or interior
ratios of N, O, S, C
liquid water and what role has the
2. Characterize areas that exhibit different formation
greenhouse effect had on climate through
epochs; determine role of water in tesserae
Venus' history?
3. Search for hydrous minerals and greenhouse gases
trapped in surface rocks
1. Measure noble gases elemental composition and
isotopic ratios in atmosphere and solid samples
2. Evaluate characteristics of weathering rinds and
B. How have the interior, surface, and
composition of rock beneath
atmosphere interacted as a coupled climate
3. Determine abundance/altitude profile of reactive
system over time?
species, greenhouse gases, condensables
4. Determine sulfur cycle from surface isotopic ratios
and atmospheric measurements of sulfur compounds

II. Understand the nature of interior-surfaceatmosphere interactions over time,

including whether liquid water was ever
present.

I. Understand atmospheric
formation, evolution, and
climate history on Venus.
II. Understand interior,
surface, and atmosphere
interactions over time.
Introduction

Mission Architecture

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VEXAG Investigations and Platforms (1 of 2)

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

9
3

6
3

12

Conclusion
6

3: Directly answers

2: Major contribution

1: Minor contribution

0: Does not address

Investigation

Objective

1.Characterize
Characterize stratigraphy
stratigraphy and
and deformation
deformation of
of surface
surface
1.
unitsthrough
through imaging
imaging and
and topography
topography
units
2.Characterize
Characterize radiogenic
radiogenic4He,
4He, 40Ar,
40Ar, Xe
Xe isotopic
isotopic mixing
mixing
2.
A.How
HowisisVenus
Venusreleasing
releasingits
itsheat
heatnow
nowand
and ratios
A.
ratios
howisisthis
thisrelated
relatedto
toresurfacing
resurfacingand
and
how
3.Characterize
Characterize structure,
structure, dynamics,
dynamics, history
history of
of interior
interior
3.
outgassing?Has
Hasthe
thestyle
styleof
oftectonism
tectonismor
or
outgassing?
andeffects
effectson
on surface
surface geology
geology
and
resurfacingvaried
variedwith
withtime?
time?
resurfacing
4.Determine
Determine contemporary
contemporary rates
rates of
of volcanic
volcanic and
and
4.
tectonicactivity
activity
tectonic
5.Determine
Determine absolute
absolute rock
rock ages
ages at
at locations
locations that
that
5.
constrainglobal
global resurfacing
resurfacing rates
rates
constrain
1.Determine
Determine composition,
composition, mineralogy,
mineralogy, petrography
petrography of
of
1.
samplesat
atkey
key geologic
geologicsites
sites (e.g.
(e.g. tesserae)
tesserae)
samples
2.Determine
Determine rock
rock composition
composition at
at regional
regional scales
scales
2.
throughremote
remote sensing
sensing
through
B.How
Howdid
didVenus
Venusdifferentiate
differentiateand
andevolve
evolve 3.
B.
3.Determine
Determine structure
structure of
of crust
crust with
with spatial/depth
spatial/depth
overtime?
time?IsIsthe
thecrust
crustnearly
nearlyall
allbasalt
basaltor
orare
are variation
variation
over
theresignificant
significantvolumes
volumesof
ofmore
more
there
4.Determine
Determine size
size and
and state
state of
of core
core and
and mantle
mantle structure
structure
4.
differentiated(silica-rich)
(silica-rich)crust?
crust?
differentiated

III. Determine the

evolution of the surface
and interior of Venus.

22

00

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00

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00

00

00

00

00

00

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II. Determine
III.
Determinethe
theevolution
evolutionof
of the
thesurface
surfaceand
and interior
interior of
of Venus.
Venus.

Goals

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VEXAG Investigations and Platforms (2 of 2)

35%

Introduction

55%

22

22

5.Evaluate
Evaluate radiogenic
radiogenicelement
element content
content of
of crust
crust
5.

00

00

6.Characterize
Characterize subsurface
subsurface layering
layering and
and geologic
geologic contacts
contacts
6.
todepths
depthsof
of several
several kilometers
kilometers
to

33

00

62%

56%

51%

Mission Architecture

46%

54%

60%

78%

Vehicle Concept

72%

84%

74%

15

18

22%

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
7

Venus Atmosphere at 50 km

Environment

75C
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Pressure: Composition:
1.05 atm
96% CO2
3% N2
Gravity:
8.73 m/s2
Vehicle Concept

Solar Flux
Solar Power:
1.42 kW/m2
Radiation Protection:
1.29 kg/cm2
Proof of Concept

Conclusion
8

Comparison of Venus, Earth, and Mars

Surface

At 50 km

462C

75C

661 W/m2

1418 W/m2

Solar Power

1060 W/m2

Solar Power

Shielding

> 8280 g/cm2

1290 g/cm2

Shielding

1020 g/cm2

Shielding

16 g/cm2

Pressure

9,330 kPa

106.6 kPa

Pressure

101.3 kPa

Pressure

0.64 kPa

Density

64.79 kg/m3

1.594 kg/m3

Density

1.240 kg/m3

Density

0.016 kg/m3

Gravity

8.87 m/s2

8.73 m/s2

Gravity

9.81 m/s2

Gravity

3.71 m/s2

Temperature
Solar Power

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Temperature

15C

Vehicle Concept

Images: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap050903.html, http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=77085, http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap010718.html

Temperature

Proof of Concept

-63C
590 W/m2

Conclusion
9

Venus Evolutionary Exploration Program

Phase 1:
Robotic Exploration
Phase 2:
30-day Crew to Orbit
Phase 3:
30-day Crew to Atmosphere
Phase 4:
1-year Crew to Atmosphere
Phase 5:
Permanent Human Presence
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
10

HAVOC Products
Mission
Architecture

Vehicle
Concept

Proof of
Concept

Deliverables
Robotic and crewed Venus
Reference Architectures
Introduction

Platform to support robotic Demonstrations of sulfuric acid

and crewed missions
resistance and vehicle
packaging/deployment

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
11

Mission Architecture

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
12

Time of Flight (days)

110 day TOF

+
30 day Stay

Departure Date

Departure Date
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Time of Flight (days)

Time of Flight (days)

Time of Flight (days)

Interplanetary Trajectory for 30 Day Mission

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
13

Round-Trip Venus Mission with 30 Day Stay

Outbound Trip Time: 110 days
Stay Time: 30 days
Return Trip Time: 300 days
Total Mission Time: 440 days

300 days

30 days

Earth Departure
V = 3.9 km/s

Venus Departure
V = 4.1 km/s
110 days
Earth Arrival
Ventry = 14.2 km/s

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Venus Arrival
Ventry = 11.3 km/s

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
14

Pre-Position Options (Human Missions)

Direct (or Earth Orbit
Rendezvous, EOR)

Venus Orbit
Rendezvous (VOR)

Venus Atmosphere
Rendezvous (VAR)

Mass

Earth departure
stack is large
Aerocapture stack is
likely prohibitive in
near term

Operational
Complexity

Rendezvous in Earth
Rendezvous in
orbit similar to
Venus orbit poses
other in-space
time delay issues
assembly operations

Atmospheric
rendezvous is
challenging for early
missions

Abort
Options

Quicker abort
during rendezvous/
integration
operations

No abort options
during rendezvous
(cannot ascend to
TEI stage)

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Aerocapture stack is
large but feasible

Abort to Earth from

Venus (~300 days)
during rendezvous
operations

Vehicle Concept

Could use ISRU for

ascent propellant
(reduce delivered
mass)

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
15

Robotic Concept of Operations

50 km
Atmosphere
Operations

Aerocapture
Entry, Descent, &
Inflation

LVO

or

Commercial Launch to
LEO with TVI Stage or
Direct to C3

LEO
Airship

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
16

Human Concept of Operations (1 of 2)

50 km
Aerocapture

Aerocapture

LVO
Venus Orbit
Rendezvous

Two-Stage TVI

Airship Vehicle
TVI 2

TBD
HEO

TVI 1

Two-Stage TVI

Transit Vehicle
TVI 2
TVI 1

Crew Rendezvous

Crew Capsule Returns to Earth

Crew

Crew Capsule
SM
EDL

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
17

Human Concept of Operations (2 of 2)

50 km

TBD Continued Operations

Atmosphere
Operations
Entry, Descent, &
Inflation

Ascent

LVO
Transit Vehicle Remains In LVO

Rendezvous with
Transit Vehicle

Crew Transfer to Airship

Earth Return Burn

Crew Returns to Earth

TBD
HEO

Rendezvous with Crew

Capsule

Crew Capsule
Aerocapture

SM
EDL

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
18

Airship Mission Overview

Longitudinal winds of 85 to 100 m/s at
Equator ~110 hrs to circle planet
Northward winds up to 5 m/s
Airship rides longitudinal winds while
using propulsion to counter poleward drift
Daytime Operations:
Shortest day is ~44 hrs.
Power systems sized for dash velocity: 15 m/s

Nighttime Operations:
Longest night is ~66 hrs.
Energy storage sized for low energy vel.: 3 m/s
Poleward drift is countered with higher daytime
velocity

Payload
Science Instruments (Robotic and Human)
Atmospheric Habitat (Human only)
Ascent Vehicle and Habitat (Human only)

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Image:Bougher, Hunten, and Phillips. Venus II: Geology, Geophysics, Atmosphere, and Solar Wind Environment. University of Arizona Press. Tucson, AZ. p. 466. 1997.

Conclusion
19

Robotic Mission Analysis

Airship
Instruments
& Payloads

Science/Exploration
Goals & Objectives

Entry, Descent,
& Inflation

Trans-Venus
Injection

Legend

Aerocapture
Analysis (V)

Mission
Design

Propulsion Analysis
Aero-Entry Analysis
Mission Parameters

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
20

Human Mission Analysis (Venus Orbit Rendezvous)

CARGO FLIGHT

CREW FLIGHT

Airship
Instruments
& Payloads

Ascent
Habitat

Atmospheric
Habitat

Ascent
Vehicle

Science/Exploration
Goals & Objectives

Aerocapture
Analysis (E)
Trans-Earth
Injection

Entry, Descent,
& Inflation

Trans-Venus
Injection

Mission
Design

Legend

Aerocapture
Analysis (V)

Transit
Habitat

Aerocapture
Analysis (V)

Habitat Analysis
Propulsion Analysis
Aero-Entry Analysis

Trans-Venus
Injection

Mission Parameters
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
21

Vehicle Concept

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
22

Airship Concept
Envelope
Solar Panels

Gondola

Fins

Atmospheric Habitat
Propulsion
Introduction

Ascent Vehicle

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
23

Airship Concept Human Mission

129 m

34 m

Element

Mass

Requirement

Volume 77,521 m3

Payload 70,000 kg
Helium|Tanks 8,183|6,623 kg

Ops|Regen|Total Power 187|53|240 kWe

Solar Array Area 1,044 m2

Hull 6,455 kg
Power and Propulsion 4,511 kg

Energy Storage 1,959 kWh

Total 95,776 kg
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Value

Energy Storage Time 66 hrs

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
24

Airship Concept Robotic Mission

31 m

8m

Element

Mass

Requirement

Volume 1,118 m3

Payload 750 kg
Helium|Tanks 118|96 kg

Ops|Regen|Total Power 9.1|2.5|11.6 kWe

Solar Array Area 50.4 m2

Hull 201 kg
Power and Propulsion 217 kg

Energy Storage 92.9 kWh

Total 1,382 kg
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Value

Energy Storage Time 66 hrs

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
25

Venus Airship Size Comparison

[2]

Hindenburg

30 m

HAVOC - Human

747 + Shuttle
[3]

Goodyear
[1]

HAVOC - Robotic
Introduction

[4]

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
26

Science Platform Options

Platform

Orbiter

Notional Mass Range

II. Understand
III. Determine the nature of
I. Understand
the evolution
interioratmospheric
of the surface
surfaceformation, evolution,
and interior.
atmosphere and climate history.
interactions.

Drop
Probes

Airship

50-200 kg

Drop
Balloons

Lander

50-200 kg 650-750 kg

B. What is the nature of the radiative and dynamical energy

balance on Venus (e.g. super-rotation and greenhouse)?

C. What are the morphology, chemical makeup, and variability of

the Venus clouds, their roles in the radiative/dynamical energy
balance, and impact on climate? Does habitable zone harbor life?

A. How did the atmosphere of Venus form and evolve?

A. Did Venus ever have surface or interior liquid water and what
role has the greenhouse effect had on climate through Venus'
history?

B. How have the interior, surface, and atmosphere interacted as a

coupled climate system over time?

A. How is Venus releasing its heat now and how is this related to
resurfacing and outgassing? Has the style of tectonics or
resurfacing varied with time?

B. How did Venus differentiate and evolve over time? Is the crust
nearly all basalt or are there significant volumes of more
differentiated (silica-rich) crust?

Legend: Major Contribution, Moderate Contribution, Minor Contribution

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
27

Venus Flagship Mission Study (2009) Balloon Instrument

CapabilitiesRobotic Mission

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Instrument Data Source: Hall, Jeffery et al. Venus Flagship Mission Study: Report of the Venus Science and Technology Definition Team. Task Order NMO710851, 17 April 2009.

Conclusion
28

Habitat Overview

Transit Habitat

Atmospheric Habitat

Ascent Habitat

2 crew, 400 days

2 crew, 30 days

2 crew, up to 1 day

Contingency EVA only

No EVA

No EVA

Similar to DSH: 20.2 t

Similar to SEV: 5.1 t

Similar to small capsule: 2.2 t

44 m3 at 1 atm

21 m3 at 1 atm

4.6 m3 at 1 atm

Power: 12 kWe

Power: 3 kWe

Power: 1 kWe

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
29

Venus Ascent Vehicle

Second Stage

First Stage

Ascent Habitat

Mission Parameters
Ascend from 50 km to orbit to rendezvous
with TEI stage and transit habitat
Ascent similar to launch from Earth surface

Configuration
2 Crew, Minimal Duration Ascent Habitat
Two stage ascent
LOX/RP-1 propellant (easier thermal
management than cryogenic fuels)
Estimated 63 t Gross Mass
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
30

Aerocapture, Entry, Descent, and Inflation Profile

Loiter in LVO until crew arrives

Robotic | Crewed

Deorbit and Entry

Time: 0 s | 0 s
Altitude: 200 km | 200 km
Velocity: 7200 m/s | 7200 m/s

Aerocapture to
300 km orbit

Parachute Deploy
Time: 444 s | 522 s
Altitude: 82.7 km | 75.1 km
Velocity: 451 m/s | 483m/s

Jettison Aeroshell
Time: 488 s | 586 s
Altitude: 76.2 km | 64.1 km
Velocity: 96 m/s | 99 m/s
Unfurl and Inflate Airship
Jettison Parachute
Time: 796 s | 709 s
Altitude: 66.2 km | 55.6 km
Velocity: <10 m/s | 41 m/s

Value

Time (s)

Altitude (km)

Velocity
(m/s)

Max Heat Rate (W/cm2)

66.3 | 233 195 | 211

99.1 | 90.1

6,695 | 6,705

Max q (kPa)

2.39 | 27.3 198 | 216

98.7 | 89.4

6,542 | 6,422

Max G (Earth g)

6.17 | 6.71 198 | 216

98.7 | 89.4

6,542 | 6,422

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Atmosphere
Operations

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
31

Proof of Concept

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
32

Sulfuric Acid Test

Goal: Identify material(s) suitable for protecting solar
panels from concentrated sulfuric acid.
Method: Soak candidate materials (FEP Teflon, PVC, PP) in
acid for 1, 7, 30 days, compare physical and spectral
properties against controls.
Analysis: Collect data on light transmittance vs
wavelength in ultra-violet, visible, and infrared spectrum.

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
33

Polypropylene Results

75%: Avg. Transmittance 300 1000 nm

85%: Avg. Transmittance 300 1000 nm

Unexposed

90.7%

Unexposed

90.7%

1 Day

90.6%

1 Day

91.1%

7 Day

90.1%

7 Day

90.9%

30 Day

90.5%

30 Day

91.1%

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
34

FEP Teflon Results

75%: AVG Transmittance 300 1000 nm

85%: AVG Transmittance 300 1000 nm

Unexposed

91.5%

Unexposed

91.5%

1 Day

93.1%

1 Day

92.9%

7 Day

90.3%

7 Day

92.9%

30 Day

92.6%

30 Day

93.2%

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
35

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Results

75%: AVG Transmittance 300 1000 nm

Unexposed

80.2%

1 Day

47.6%

7 Day

45.7%

30 Day

42.6%

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Indicates chemical
composition change

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
36

Sulfuric Acid Test Conclusions

Polypropylene did not degrade and had 90% transmittance
May degrade when exposed to temperatures above 50C

Teflon did not degrade and had 90-93% transmittance

Highest melting point of tested materials

Polyvinyl chloride underwent chemical change and lost transmittance

Fell from 80% to 48% after one day, to 43% after 30 days

Teflon and polypropylene recommended for future testing at relevant

temperatures (75-80C)

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
37

Airship Inflation Demonstration

Goal: develop and demonstrate concepts for
packaging and Entry, Descent,
and Inflation (EDI)
Method: design and construct
scale model of HAVOC vehicle,
demonstrate that it packages and
inflates and document algorithm and
concept for future development.

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
38

Airship ElementsGondola

Gondola and Propellers

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Ascent Vehicle

Vehicle Concept

Baseplate

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
39

Airship ElementsStructure

Fins

Gas Bag

Aeroshell

Solar Panels

Envelope
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
40

Airship Inflation Demonstrations

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
41

Conclusion

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
42

Future Questions and Trades

Mission Architecture

What is the communications architecture for the robotic and human missions?
What do the Phase 2, Phase 4, and Phase 5 missions look like?
Detailed design of propulsive stages (TVI/TEI stages, ascent vehicle, etc.)
Low thrust pre-deployment trade
Detailed design of science operations for robotic and human missions

Vehicle Concept

What guidance algorithms yield optimal aerocapture, entry, and ascent trajectories?
What can be done with the airship after the human mission is complete?
Refine decelerator, TPS, and deployment/inflation design
Entry shape, detailed vehicle dynamics, operational simulation, other lifting gases

Proof of Concept
How do Teflon and polypropylene withstand sulfuric acid at Venus temperatures?
How does a model of the airship perform in Venus atmospheric conditions?
Physical tests of inflation on parachute and with tanks
Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
43

Summary
HAVOC has developed an evolutionary exploration plan that presents Venus as
another destination for human exploration in space
Initial analysis shows that robotic and human exploration of Venus with
airships is feasible
Capability Development Needs: human-scale aeroentry vehicles, advanced supersonic
decelerators, long-duration cryogenic storage, Venus and Earth aerocapture, rapid
airship inflation during descent
Many technologies and capabilities
are complementary to Mars missions

Deeper dives into sizing, trajectories, and operations would refine architectural
and vehicle understanding
Venus, with its relatively hospitable upper atmosphere, can play a role in
humanity's future in space.

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
44

References
1.
2.
3.
4.

Goodyear blimp picture: Stuart Grout, http://www.flickr.com/photos/pigpilot/7132847251/

Hindenburg outline:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Building_and_ship_comparison_to_the_Pentagon2.svg
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft picture from Dryden 747 SCA Graphics Collection:
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Graphics/B-747-SCA/index.html
Launch vehicle comparison from NASAs Space Launch System: A New National Capability

Introduction

Mission Architecture

Vehicle Concept

Proof of Concept

Conclusion
45