Request for NOI, “VenusBridge,” a concept for small missions with launch dates in the early-to-mid 2020s

The Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) requests your Notice of Interest to support “VenusBridge,” a concept for one or more small missions with launch dates in the early-to-mid 2020s. The intent is to determine if there are lower cost options for the continuity of US Venus exploration between Magellan and any potential future Discovery, New Frontiers, or strategic mission. Within a nominal cost cap of $200M, VenusBridge might accommodate a single mission or multiple smallsats or cubesats, including orbiters, probes, or landers. VEXAG is seeking innovative ideas on mission architectures (including launch), technology, and science investigations, including possible subsystems (e.g. bus, telecom) and novel techniques for answering key Venus science questions (www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/reports/GOI-140625.pdf) in this low cost range. These inputs will be used in new feasibility studies that could constrain a future competitive call or feed into the next Planetary Decadal Survey. The VenusBridge concept will be reviewed at the LPSC Town Hall and a VEXAG VenusBridge Focus Group subsequently will be formed. If you have a great idea for low-cost Venus exploration, please send a summary up to one page in length, including your contact information, to VEXAG Chair Bob Grimm, [email protected]. Also please indicate if you are interested in serving on the Focus Group.