VENUS MICROSAT EXPLORER PROGRAMME, AN ESA TECHNOLOGY REFERENCE MISSION

摘要

The Venus Microsat Explorer Programme is one of ESA's Technology Reference Missions (TRMs). The purpose of the TRMs is to focus on the developments of strategically important technologies of likely relevance for future scientific missions. The aim of the Venus Microsat Explorer Programme (VMEP) is to study approaches for low cost in-situ exploration of Venus and other planetary bodies with a significant atmosphere. In this paper, the scientific objectives and an outline of the mission profile of the first phase of the VMEP are presented. Critical and enabling technologies identified by the TRM study will provide a guideline for future technology development activities that could be supported by ESA's Science Directorate.