Research Progress on Long-lived Survival Technology of Venus Lander

Venus, as a major component of terrestrial planets, is of great scientific significance for exploration and research. Understanding Venus can enhance our knowledge of the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets, the development of Earth's habitability, and the strategies for searching habitable exoplanets. Recently, Venus exploration has witnessed a resurgence, with Europe, the US, Russia, and India planning new missions around 2030. However, its infernal surface conditions, a scorching 462°C, crushing 9.3 MPa pressure (equivalent to 900 m underwater on Earth), and corrosive CO₂ atmosphere laden with sulfuric acid aerosols, which have limited prior missions to mere hours of operation, exemplified by the Soviet Venera 13’s 127-minute survival record. To address the need for long-duration Venus surface missions, this paper analyzes the challenges of lander long-life survival based on Venus’s environment, i.e., energy acquisition and environmental adaptation. It reviews the research progress in four areas: lightweight pressure-resistant structures, high-temperature electronics, power systems, and thermal control technology, while offering design recommendations. Lightweight pressure-resistant structures, represented by honeycomb structures, lattice structures, and composite materials, show promise in effectively reducing the lander’s weight while maintaining structural integrity. High-temperature electronics, based on materials like Silicon Carbide (SiC), can significantly enhance the performance and service life of electronic devices in extreme heat. Efficient energy systems, including radioisotope Stirling generators and high-temperature batteries, are expected to supply stable power to the lander and lessen the energy system’s demand on thermal control resources. In terms of thermal control technology, building on high-performance heat storage and insulation materials, employing high-temperature Stirling cooling or compression cooling techniques can effectively tackle the heat dissipation issues for landers in high-temperature settings. The design recommendations outlined in this paper aim to provide valuable references for potential future Venus lander exploration missions, aiding in the development of more advanced and durable lander systems capable of withstanding Venus’s challenging environment for extended periods.