Some scientists think that Venus is a better candidate for humanity’s next crewed mission. Scientists think space organisations ought to focus on Venus instead of Mars.
But why would scientists suggest focusing on a planet that has hell-like conditions – a surface hot enough to melt lead, atmospheric pressure that can crush anything, and clouds made from sulfuric acid. What’s worse is that no human could set foot on Venus’ surface; it would mean instant death for Earthly life forms. The only option, then, for astronauts is to observe the planet from their spacecraft.
Why Venus?
Venus is the second closest neighbour to Earth after Mars. While Mars is relatively silent and quaint, Venus is what would evoke feelings of horrors in humans. Regardless, there are numerous reasons why scientists think we should be favouring exploration of Venus instead of Mars.
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For starters, Venus is a lot closer to Earth than Mars, and essentially makes a round trip within one year possible. On the other hand, a round trip to Mars and back requires at least three years. Scientists now think a flyby above Venus would be a beneficial precursor to the Mars mission.
“Venus gets a bad rap because it’s got such a difficult surface environment,” said Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University applied physics laboratory and one of the report’s authors. “The current N.a.s.a paradigm is moon-to-Mars. We’re trying to make the case for Venus as an additional target on that pathway,” he added.
Venus is particularly interesting. It is similar to Earth in terms of size, mass, and distance from the Sun. Even then, its conditions are the polar opposite of the comfort found on Earth. A report highlighting the same was presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week.
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