With all the orbital missions at the various planets in our solar system, scientists have been able to glean an amazing amount of data to help us understand our neighboring worlds. But imagine a mission that could fly lower than orbital altitudes – actually flying in the atmosphere of another planet and closer to [...]

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Interesting idea!

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What do they have against dirigibles?

Don't have to worry about night. I think it would be much easier to design a long duration probe that could safely sleep at night. If we were going to risk the investment, myself I'd go with the proven technology than trying to invent something new from a whole cloth. Shoot, you could even put smaller probes on the dirigible! Am sure there are designs to counter the sail effect just being a balloon will give you.

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"The beauty of that discussion of averages is that you don't have to be an expert in Apollo or in photography in order to see where this time study "analysis" breaks down. You just have to be, well...not an idiot." -JayUtah

if i remember correctly, didnt a few probes in the past come to an end before touchdown on venus due to pressure and other problems that arise from the planet ?.... so what would make this different by using soaring vehicles wouldn't the same problems arise just maybe at a slower rate?...what positives would u get out of this other than maybe a few hours of exposure to venus?

not too well informed,but that's why i'm here

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Astroflight, a maker of electric motors for the military and the radio-control model airplane hobbists (like myself), have been on the leading edge of long duration high-altitude flights for some time:

http://thefutureofthings.com/articles.php?itemId=51/71/

Well, it seemed I just didn't know enough about them, JustaFriend.

I had no idea. Very timely and appropriate link

I have been officially enlightened. But that's why I come here right?

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"The beauty of that discussion of averages is that you don't have to be an expert in Apollo or in photography in order to see where this time study "analysis" breaks down. You just have to be, well...not an idiot." -JayUtah

Sounds brilliant and more importantly cost effective as the fuel load is reduced.

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