Rocket Lab Mission to Venus

TL;DR

The Rocket Lab mission to Venus aims to demonstrate a low-cost, small-scale probe capable of in situ measurements in Venus' cloud layers, focusing on organic molecule detection with a compact nephelometer.

Contribution

This is the first small, low-cost Venus probe utilizing high-energy small spacecraft and launch vehicles, enabling more frequent planetary science missions.

Findings

Successful deployment of a 1 kg in situ instrument in Venus clouds

Detection of organic molecules in Venus cloud particles

Validation of low-cost small spacecraft for planetary exploration

Abstract

Regular, low-cost Decadal-class science missions to planetary destinations will be enabled by high-{\Delta}V small spacecraft, such as the high-energy Photon, and small launch vehicles, such as Electron, to support expanding opportunities for scientists and to increase the rate of science return. The Rocket Lab mission to Venus is a small direct entry probe planned for baseline launch in May 2023 with accommodation for a single ~1 kg instrument. A backup launch window is available in January 2025. The probe mission will spend about 5 min in the Venus cloud layers at 48-60 km altitude above the surface and collect in situ measurements. We have chosen a low-mass, low-cost autofluorescing nephelometer to search for organic molecules in the cloud particles and constrain the particle composition.