Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A persistent challenge with Venus balloon missions has been the slow leakage of buoyant gas, limiting mission longevity and making sustained atmospheric exploration difficult.
Dr. Michael Hecht, MIT professor and principal investigator of MOXIE, envisions adapting its oxygen-generating technology for Venus, solving major challenges in balloon-based exploration.
The SOE (solid oxide electrolysis) process splits CO₂ into CO and O₂—both lighter than Venus’ dense atmosphere—allowing a balloon to generate its own lift and stay afloat indefinitely.
In an interview, Dr. Hecht explained that running the SOE system in reverse at night would generate electricity, eliminating the need for heavy batteries and ensuring round-the-clock operation.
Unlike on Mars, where MOXIE needed a radioisotope thermal generator, Venus’ proximity to the Sun provides abundant solar power, allowing the SOE system to function efficiently during daylight.
Beyond balloons, the extracted CO could serve as fuel for future Venusian aircraft, turning the floating platform into a potential refueling station for other missions.
Venus’ sulfuric acid atmosphere presents a threat, but Hecht suggests Teflon-coated components as a simple fix, comparing it to the negligible mass of a nonstick frying pan.
The SOE process must maintain a 75% efficiency rate. Beyond that, excess CO electrolysis could lead to carbon buildup, clogging the system with soot, according to Hecht’s NIAC proposal.
While Venus is the immediate target, Hecht believes this technology could work on Titan and other thick-atmosphere worlds, potentially revolutionizing planetary exploration.