Venus lies within Earth’s orbit, but little is known about our neighboring planet—especially its “dark side.”
University at Buffalo researchers want to change that, though, with their unique spacecraft.
The Bio-inspired Ray for Extreme Environments and Zonal Explorations (BREEZE)* project is one of 12 concepts selected by NASA for its Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program.
Proposed by the university’s Crashworthiness for Aerospace Structures and Hybrids (CRASH)* Laboratory, researchers envision a stingray-esque morphing spacecraft, with wings that flap like pectoral fins.
“By taking our cues from nature, specifically sea rays, we’re looking to maximize flight efficiency,” according to project lead Javid Bayandor, associate professor in UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The design, he explained, could make use of high winds in the planet’s upper atmosphere, while still allowing scientists control over the vehicle—which would circumnavigate Venus every four to six days.
Add to that solar-powered instruments (charged every few days when the planet is illuminated by the Sun) that take atmospheric samples, track weather patterns, monitor volcanic activity, and gather other data.
Perhaps most importantly, though, BREEZE’s “distinct versatility” could help scientists study the mysterious dark side of Venus.
Did you know that it takes Venus longer to rotate on its axis (243 days) than it does to orbit the Sun (225 days), making a day on the planet longer than a year?
Because of these irregular cycles, large portions of the planet are shrouded in darkness for sustained periods of time, leaving them considerably different from the sunny side.
The technology behind BREEZE—including its morphing wings—could potentially be used to explore other parts of the Solar System, as well as underwater environments on Earth, Bayandor said.
* They really love an acronym in upstate New York
More on Geek.com:
- Was Venus Once Habitable?
- HAVOC: NASA’s Proposed Cloud City Over Venus
- Rugged New Computers Could Lead to First Trip to Venus Since 1985
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