Manned Venus Flyby (Proposal), February 1, 1967

“Manned Venus Flyby” is a technical report conducted by NASA in 1967, which explores the concept of a manned mission to fly by Venus. The study discusses the mission’s objectives, spacecraft design, flight trajectory, and other key aspects of the mission, as well as the scientific benefits and potential challenges.

Key Highlights:

1. Mission Objectives: The primary objectives of the Manned Venus Flyby mission are to extend human presence beyond Earth’s orbit, study the environment of Venus, and gather valuable data on interplanetary space travel. The mission aims to build on existing scientific knowledge of Venus and provide a foundation for future manned missions to other planets.
2. Spacecraft Design: The spacecraft for the mission would consist of two main modules: a command module for the astronauts and a support module containing the necessary supplies and equipment. The design would also include solar panels for power generation, communication systems, and a heat shield for protection during Venus flyby.
3. Trajectory and Mission Duration: The proposed mission would follow a free-return trajectory, allowing the spacecraft to return to Earth without propulsion after flying by Venus. The total mission duration would be around 410 to 420 days, including the time spent traveling to Venus, conducting scientific observations during the flyby, and returning to Earth.
4. Scientific Benefits: The Manned Venus Flyby mission would provide valuable data on the planet’s atmosphere, surface, and magnetic fields. Additionally, the mission would offer insights into the challenges of long-duration spaceflight, such as radiation exposure, human factors, and spacecraft performance.
5. Challenges and Risks: Some potential challenges for the mission include the need for advanced life support systems, protection from radiation, and the development of reliable communication systems. The report also acknowledges the risks associated with the mission, such as potential spacecraft failures, the psychological impact of long-duration spaceflight on astronauts, and the limited opportunities for mission aborts or emergency returns.

Conclusion: The Manned Venus Flyby report provides a detailed analysis of the mission’s objectives, spacecraft design, trajectory, and scientific benefits. Although there are considerable challenges and risks associated with the mission, it represents an important step in the expansion of human presence beyond Earth’s orbit and lays the groundwork for future manned missions to other planets. The insights gained from this mission would contribute to our understanding of Venus and help address the technical challenges of interplanetary space travel.

Document Abstract:

“This study is one of several conducted at Bellcomm and in Manned Space Flight whose purpose is to give guidance to the Apollo Applications Program’s technical objectives by focusing on a longer range goal. The assumed mission in this case is a three-man flyby of Venus launched in November, 1973 on a single standard Saturn V. The selected flight configuration includes a Command and Service Module similar in some respects to Apollo, an Environmental Support Module which occupies the adapter area and a spent S-IVB stage which is utilized for habitable volume and structural support of a solar cell electrical power system. The total injected weight, 106,775 lbs., is within the capability of a single Saturn V of the early 1970’s. The study is focused on the selection of subsystem technologies appropriate to long duration flight. The conclusions are reported in terms of the technical characteristics to be achieved as part of the Apollo Applications Program’s long duration objectives.”

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Manned Venus Flyby (Proposal), February 1, 1967 [177 Pages, 5.2MB]

 

 

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