Aerial Platform Design Options for a Life-Finding Mission at Venus

Mounting evidence of chemical disequilibria in the Venusian atmosphere has heightened interest search for life within planet’s cloud decks. Balloon systems are currently considered to be superior class aerial platform extended atmospheric sampling clouds, providing highest ratio science return risk. Balloon-based designs depend heavily on payload mass and target altitudes. We present options constant- variable-altitude balloon designed carry out operations inside The Venus Life Finder (VLF) mission study proposes a series missions that require situ analysis material. provide an overview representative architecture, as well gondola accommodate VLF instrument suite. Current architecture asserts launch date 30 July 2026, which would place orbiter entry vehicle at early November 29 same year.