High-Level Project Summary
The L.T.V.U.P. will be a large vehicle that will utilize a large drill to bore underground in order to avoid some of the heat. A RTG will benefit from the thick atmosphere and allow the probe to study seismic activity for up to 200 years. The aim of the device is to study seismic patterns and soil composition in order to prepare humanity for when we might eventually terraform Venus, hence why the "team" name is "Preparation for Earth 2". Things that may be needed are a large inflatable heat shield that will be used during the descent and to cover the hole made by the drill. A satellite in geostationary orbit might also assist transmissions.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
The L.T.V.U.P. will be a probe whose main feature is the ability to dig itself underground. This will reduce heat and allow enhanced surface samples and seismic scans. It's main power source will be one or two RTGs that can benefit from the thick atmosphere and produce more than half the power of an RTG in space even though it is hot. This will allow function for up to 200 years, beating the 60 day requirement. The scientific equipment will include but not be limited to seismic scanners and holes in the drill to collect samples. A large inflatable heat shield that will be used during the descent and to cover the hole made by the drill, blocking even more heat. As an added bonus, alloys or tungsten can be made to survive the heat easily. In addition, in order to assist communication a satellite in geostationary orbit may help. Instead of being in the hot probe, the computer may be included in the satelite to make things easier. In conclusion, this is why the L.T.V.U.P. is the best choice of Venus lander for a long-term mission.
Space Agency Data
I used a NASA idea for the heat shield: https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/nasa/nasa-expanding-heat-shield-technology-this-fall/
Hackathon Journey
My STEM teacher, Michael Binazeski, has shown me this website. I chose this project because I am interested in both engineering and the terraforming of Venus. I am currently in 7th grade, being 12 years old as of writing.
References
Terraformation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-WO-z-QuWI
I used a NASA idea for the heat shield: https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/nasa/nasa-expanding-heat-shield-technology-this-fall/
Most of the ideas in this project are original.