20th Meeting of the Venus Exploration and Analysis Group (VEXAG)

November 7–9, 2022

 

Program

 

Times listed are Mountain Standard Time (MST).

Find your local time here.

 

Monday, November 7, 2022

8:30 a.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Welcome, Year for VEXAG, NASA Headquarter Reports

11:30 a.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Reports from Ongoing and Upcoming Missions. Part 1: Current Missions with Venus Science

2:00 p.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Reports from Current and Selected Missions. Part 2: Selected and Upcoming Venus Missions

3:45 p.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Lightning Talk and Poster Session


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

8:30 a.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Decadal Survey

10:45 a.m.

TBD

Museum of Natural History and Science Tour

1:15 p.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Workshop, Research Ecosystem Report

3:30 p.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Venus Strategy Roundtable


Wednesday, November 9, 2022

8:30 a.m.

STEM Lecture Hall

Working Groups, Early Career; Findings and Closing

 

Monday, November 7, 2022

WELCOME, YEAR FOR VEXAG, NASA HEADQUARTER REPORTS

8:30 a.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

8:30 a.m.

Aubele J.  Crumpler L.  Izenberg N.

Welcome from Local Host, Introduction and Logistics

8:40 a.m.

Izenberg N.

The Year for VEXAG

9:20 a.m.

Glaze L.

NASA Headquarters Presentation

10:30 a.m.

 

BREAK

10:40 a.m.

Stephan R.  Linehard M.

HOTTech and PESTO, Laboratory Workshop Status

10:50 a.m.

Wagner T.

VenSar Definition Team Status (EnVision)

11:00 a.m.

Ocampo A.

VeSCoor Introduction and Status

10:10 a.m.

Ansdell M.

Venus R&A Status

11:20 a.m.

 

BREAK

 

Monday, November 7, 2022

REPORTS FROM ONGOING AND UPCOMING MISSIONS. PART 1: CURRENT MISSIONS WITH VENUS SCIENCE

11:30 a.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

11:30 a.m.

Edberg N.

Solar Orbiter

11:40 a.m.

Vallat C.

JUICE

11:50 a.m.

Satoh T.

Akatsuki

12:00 p.m.

Helbert J.

BepiColombo

12:10 a.m.

Curry S.

Parker Solar Probe

12:20 p.m.

 

Discussion and Findings

12:30 p.m.

 

LUNCH

 

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Monday, November 7, 2022

REPORTS FROM CURRENT AND SELECTED MISSIONS. PART 2: SELECTED AND UPCOMING VENUS MISSIONS

2:00 p.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Presenter

Presenter

Presentation

2:00 p.m.

Smrekar S.

VERITAS

2:15 p.m.

Garvin J.

DAVINCI

2:30 p.m.

Widemann T.  Straume A.  Voirin T.

EnVision

2:45 p.m.

Seager S.

Venus Life Finder

3:00 p.m.

Head J.

China’s VOICE Mission

3:15 p.m.

 

Discussion and Findings

3:35 p.m.

 

BREAK

 

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Monday, November 7, 2022

POSTER SESSION:  LIGHTNING TALK AND POSTER SESSION

3:45 p.m.   TBD

Authors

Abstract Title and Summary

Duque Baron P. A.  Casadiego Molina J. F.  Londono Villamil G.  Aldana Hernandez M.  Concha Salazar D.

Fakós-Atents, Eyes in the Clouds of Venus [#8001]
Fakós-Atents is a hive of sensory modules of reduced size and weight, which use gas as support, which allow various magnitudes to be measured in their environment and can be very useful for in/situ research in the clouds of Venus.

Rosales J.  Miller A.  Nunez E.  Gross A.  Chanover N.

Hybrid Aerial Vehicle for Exploration of Venus Atmosphere [#8002]
This paper summarizes the conceptual design of a neutrally buoyant hybrid vehicle for exploration of the Venus atmosphere between 55 and 70 km altitude, that employs propulsion and aerodynamic lift to increase its horizontal and vertical mobility.

Lefevre M.  Marcq E.  Lefevre F.

Turbulent Vertical Mixing in the Venus Cloud Layer [#8013]
Venus hosts a global cloud layer with a convective layer that mixes momentum, heat, and chemical species and generates gravity waves. This vertical mixing is still not understood properly. We proposed to use convection-resolving models to study it.

Slowik G. P.  Stryjska A. Z.  Dabrowski P.

Venusian Electric Biocell (VEB) Hypothesis [#8016]
The venusian electric biocell (VEB) hypothesis was presented. Potentially existing electrical bacteria in the lower layer of Venus clouds can act as a biological anode similar to terrestrial microbial fuel cells.

King I. R.  Bywaters K.  Zacny K.  Seager S.  Petkowski J. J.

Prototype Design of a Flexible Tape and Roller Sampling System for Venusian Atmosphere Aerosol Capture and Delivery [#8018]
This abstract presents the design of a novel sampling system prototype for collection of aerosols in the Venusian atmosphere, building on conceptual design work published last year.

Adams G. M.  Balcerski J. A.  Mills F. P.

Laboratory Kinetic Measurements of Polysulfur Reactions in the Atmosphere of Venus [#8019]
Following a sensitivity analysis of reactions involving polysulfur in the atmosphere of Venus, five reactions were identified for priority of study and a macro flow through photoreactor was constructed to measure the reaction rate of 2S + M = S2 + M.

Krishnamoorthy S.  Bowman D. C.  Hough E.  Martire L.  Elbing B.  Komjathy A.  Cutts J. A.  Jackson J. M.  Garcia R. F.  Mimoun D.  Pauken M. T.  Brissaud Q.

Progress Towards Balloon-Based Seismology on Venus in 2021–2022 [#8008]
Venus is too hot for landed seismometers. We discuss developments in aerial seismology on Venus in the last year.

Bhattacharyya S.  Bhiravarasu S. S.  Thangjam G.  Virkki A. K.  Rivera-Valentín E. G.

Surface Properties of Maxwell Montes Using New Arecibo Dual-Polarization Radar Data [#8014]
Using new ground-based radar data of Venus, we show the local variations in surface physical properties of Maxwell Montes region.

Izraelevitz J. S.  Pauken M.  Krishnamoorthy S.  Goel A.  Aiazzi C.  Walsh G.  Dorsky L.  Baines K.  Byrne P. K.  Cutts J.  Turner C.  Quintana C.  Carlson K.  Lachenmeier T.  Hall J. L.

Test Flights and Altitude Control Demonstration of a Prototype Venus Aerobot [#8017]
We will discuss the development of subscale Venus aerobots pursued by JPL and Near Space Corporation. One of our Venus prototypes recently completed a free-flight on Earth at atmospheric densities equivalent to 54–55 km above the Venus surface.

Kremic T.  Hunter G.  Tolbert C.

Status of Long-Duration Lander Capabilities Developed Under the LLISSE Project [#8022]
The Lived In Situ Solar System Explorer (LLISSE) project uniquely focused on developing a full Venus surface lander including subsystems. This presentation focuses on the technical progress and expected technology status under this project.

Radke M. J.  Horst S. M.

Unit Resolution Mass Spectrometry of the Atmosphere of Venus [#8024]
We examine the capabilities of unit-resolution MS at Venus. We find that atmospheric abundances can generally be retrieved with ~10% precision but are improved with extensive preflight calibration and by combining MS with data from other instruments.

Port S. T.  Santos A. R.  Lukco D.  Kremic T.  Hunter G.

Reactivity of Calcium-Bearing Minerals Under Simulated Venus Conditions [#8026]
We experimentally investigated the interactions between several calcium-bearing minerals and SO2 at simulated Venus temperature. Calcite was found to be more reactive to SO2 than both wollastonite and tremolite.

Merchak E. J.  Port S. T.  Chevrier V. F.

Surface-Atmospheric Reactions on Venus: Effect of Supercritical Versus Gaseous CO2 [#8027]
Minerals are tested in a Venus simulation chamber to replicate surface temperature and pressure conditions as well as a Lindberg tube oven at Venus temperature and 1 bar of pressure. This allows a comparison of supercritical and gaseous CO2.

Srivastava A.  Singh A. P.

Utilisation of VIRTIS Data for Detection of Potential Venusian Active Volcanism and Noise-Removal Algorithms for VIRTIS Using Machine Learning [#8028]
Venusian surface geology and spectral characteristics from VIRTIS can be analysed to detect anomalies in atmospheric gases as signs of active volcanism. VIRTIS data has large amounts of noise which can be removed using machine learning techniques.

Villanova L. S.

Insights About Relations Between Venusian Volcanic Activity and Orbital Movement [#8003]
Measurements of Venusian sulfur dioxide were made from sensors and were related to volcanic activity. On Venus, seismicity at volcanoes has been correlated with the gravitational tide and thermal tide by solar heating.

Pimentel E. R.  Campbell B. A.  Garvin J. B.

An Improved Topographic Map of Alpha Regio from Magellan Altimeter Data [#8010]
The Magellan Global Topographic Data Record (GTDR) for Venus contains kilometer-scale vertical artifacts in numerous tessera locales due to rugged topography at the few-km horizontal scale. We present improved topography for Alpha Regio.

Adams A. C.  Stegman D. R.  Smrekar S. E.  Tackley P. J.

Regional-Scale Lithospheric Recycling on Venus via Peel-Back Delamination [#8012]
Here, we present 2D numerical models to determine if and how regional-scale lithospheric recycling events could be initiated at a Venusian rift zone.

Bogart S.  Treiman A. H.

The Distribution and Volume of Impact Melt, Cleopatra Crater, Maxwell Montes, Venus [#8023]
We mapped the valleys east of the Cleopatra impact crater and calculated the volume of the valley-fill. Possible explanations for the relatively large volume of melt are: high geothermal gradient, near-vertical impact, and non-basaltic target rock.

Deahn M. C.  Gilmore M. S.  Garvin J. B.  Arney G.  Getty S.

More than Just a Big Brown Blob: Mapping Venus Tesserae for the DAVINCI Probe [#8025]
We propose that mapping the tesserae at a higher resolution (than standard small-scale maps) reveals multiple distinct geologic units with broader morphologies, types, and compositions.

Mills A. C.  James P. B.

Exploring Variable Heat Flow Regimes for the Formation of Rosa Bonheur [#8035]
We present here our intention to do iSALE simulations of Rosa Bonheur’s formation to possibly constrain the heat flux inside a rift zone during the period of active rifting on Venus.

Brandin M. C.  Sandwell D. T.  Russell M. B.  Johnson C. L.

Detection of Active Lava Flows on Venus Using Repeated SAR and InSAR Measurements: InSAR Analysis of the 2018 Hawaii Lava Flows [#8011]
This project aims to show that InSAR could be an effective method of tracking potential Lava Flows on Venus, and argues for the inclusion of InSAR capabilities on future Venus missions.

Fowler C. M.  Chaffin M.  Ramstad R.  Hanley G.  Collinson G.  Curry S.  Lillis R.  Luhmann J.  Stone S. W.  Xu S.

Key Unknowns for Venus Atmospheric Evolution 2: Consequences of a Venus-Like Magnetosphere for Hydrodynamic Xenon (Heavy) Ion Escape [#8015]
This presentation will discuss the applicability of a polar wind like photo-ionized hydrogen wind at Venus, and its ability to drive heavy ion escape to space, in analogy to xenon ion loss and fractionation at Earth.

Chaffin M. S.  Fowler C. M.  Chaufray J.-Y.  Collinson G.  Curry S.  Hanley G.  Lillis R.  Luhmann J.  Ramstad R.  Stone S. W.  Xu S.

Key Unknowns for Venus Atmospheric Evolution 1: Present-Day D/H Escape Rate Uncertainties and Implications for Upcoming HDO/H2O Measurements [#8021]
Uncertainties in the present-day loss rates of Venus H and D to space pose challenges for interpretation of planned HDO/H2O measurements by NASA and ESA spacecraft. We outline an analysis and measurement program designed to resolve these challenges.

Adams A. D.  Laughlin G. P.

The Structure and Evolution of Terrestrial Topography: Turning Earth into Venus [#8030]
We demonstrate that the relatively flat venusian topography can be interpreted to have arisen from the transition from active terrestrial-like plate tectonics to the current stagnant lid configuration at a time $600$ Myr before present.

Kerr M.  Stegman D.  Adams A.  Smerkar S.

Initiation, Interaction, and Suppression of Mantle Plumes on Venus-analog Planet Using StagYY Nemerical Model [#8037]
Using a regime of 2D mantle convection models in StafYY, we explore how interactions between subducting slabs of lithosphere and thermal upwellings in the mantle could explain Venus’ volcanic dichotomy.

Johnson P. A.  Johnson J. C.

Filtering Algorithm for Biosignature Classification of CNOSPH Compounds on Venus [#8005]
We performed a database search incorporating filtering algorithms for biosignatures in the context of the recent proposition of biotic origins for phosphine and other product molecules.

Baker A. R.  Semprich J.  Schwenzer S. P.  Greenwood R. C.  Filiberto J.

Effects of Density, Root Thickness, and Terrain Elevation on Isostatic Compensation of Tesserae [#8006]
We examine the effects of variations in density, crustal root thickness and terrain elevation on the isostatic compensation of tesserae of varying compositions.

Jordan S.  Shorttle O.  Rimmer P. B.

Constraints on the Venusian Life Hypothesis from Proposed Energy-Metabolisms [#8009]
We present a coupled photo-bio-chemical model of Venus’s atmosphere in order to test whether the proposed energy-metabolisms of a biosphere in the cloud layer could explain the observed atmospheric chemistry of Venus.

Vistica J. T.

Leviathan:  A Starship-Based Venus Explorer for Low-Altitude and Surface Explorations [#8004]
The Leviathan Venus Explorer is a long-lived 30-ton nuclear-powered stainless-steel methane-filled aerobot with operational altitudes from -2 km to 4 km capable of landing and taking off almost anywhere while circumnavigating Venus for possibly years.

Lemke L. G.  Hall D. W.  Dobrea E. Z.  Deedon R.  Brecht A.

Low Altitude Venus Airship for Atmospheric and Surface Exploration [#8029]
We study the feasibility of a variable-buoyancy dirigible for exploration of the lower atmosphere and surface of Venus capable of repeatedly cycling between the near surface and high altitude (? 30 km).

Young E. F.  Klein V.

A Compact Infrasound Array for Deployment in Venus’s Atmosphere [#8031]
We discuss the needs for a compact infrasound array on Venus and design strategies to meet those needs.

Roberts E. K.  Treiman A. H.  Eggers G. L.  Filiberto J.

Multiple Tectonic and Volcanic Events: Gina Crater Area, Venus [#8032]
The Gina Crater area shows multiple episodes of tectonism and volcanism. The crater lies on the boundary of regional plains and tessera/lineae material. Tectonic and volcanic activity overlapped in time; deformation of Gina implies recent events.

Ostberg C. M.  Kane S. R.  Dalba P. A.  Lincowski A.

Comparing the Transmission and Emission Spectra of Hypothetical ExoEarths and ExoVenuses [#8034]
We compare the transmission spectra of exoEarth and exoVenus and simulate JWST observations of them to investigate ways to differentiate the two types of planet.

Kohler E.  Johnson N. M.

Raising HEL: The Newest Lab for Hot Experiments [#8036]
Need tests of in-situ variety. / We raisin HEL for the answers to the story. / The science will be praised, and HEL will be raised. / Three Venus missions try to faze us but we won’t be fazed. / So what’s your name? H.E.L! The Laboratory!

Moreno M. R.  Payne C.

Mission Feasibility Study for a Venus Orbiting CubeSat [#8038]
Mission feasibility study for a Venus orbiting CubeSat to survey atmospheric gas composition and demonstrate a Venus to Earth communications relay. Mission architecture centers inclusion of underrepresented minority students and an art installation.

 

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Tuesday, November 8, 2022

DECADAL SURVEY

8:30 a.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

8:30 a.m.

Canup R.  Christensen P.

Decadal Survey Overview

9:30 a.m.

Balcerski J.  Krishnamoorthy S.

Implications of Decadal for Venus-Related Technology

9:45 a.m.

Byrne P.

Implications of Decadal for Discovery and SIMPLEX, New Frontiers, Mid-Decadal, and Next Decadal

10:00 a.m.

 

Decadal Discussion and Findings

10:30 a.m.

 

BREAK

 

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND SCIENCE TOUR

10:45 a.m.   TBD

Times

Presentation

10:45 a.m.

Tour of Exhibits and Collections

12:15 p.m.

LUNCH

 

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Tuesday, November 8, 2022

WORKSHOP, RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM REPORT

1:15 p.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

1:15 p.m.

Nunes D.

Field/analog Sites Places and Policies

1:35 p.m.

Diniega S.

In Situ Surface-Atmosphere Interaction Investigations

1:50 p.m.

MacDonald A.

Science Enabled by Human Flybys of Venus

2:05 p.m.

Milazzo M.

Planetary Data Ecosystem

2:15 p.m.

Trieman A.

Ancient Venus Meeting

2:25 p.m.

Scott V.

Venus In Situ Sample Capture Workshop

2:40 p.m.

Skinner J.  Luna J.

Planetary Mapping

3:00 p.m.

Justh H.

Venus GRAM Atmosphere Model

3:10 p.m.

Kane S.

Exoplanets in Our Backyard 2

3:20 p.m.

 

BREAK

 

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

VENUS STRATEGY ROUNDTABLE

3:30 p.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

3:30 p.m.

Izenberg N. (MC)

Venus Strategy Roundtable Hour 1

4:25 p.m.

 

Optional Break

4:35 p.m.

Izenberg N. (MC)

Venus Strategy Roundtable Hour 2

 

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022

WORKING GROUPS, EARLY CAREER; FINDINGS AND CLOSING

8:30 a.m.   STEM Lecture Hall

Times

Presenter

Presentation

8:30 a.m.

Izenberg N.

Summary of Tues. Afternoon Discussions and Action Items.

9:00 a.m.

VEXAG SC

SAW Reports, Reorganization, Calls for New Members

9:15 a.m.

Port S.  Merchack E.

OVEN, Early Career Group

9:30 a.m.

 

BREAK

9:45 a.m.

 

Findings Discussion

11:00 a.m.

Izenberg N.

Closing Remarks, Upcoming Meetings and Events, Actions

11:29 a.m.

 

ADJOURN

 

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