And an exit strategy:
As can be seen in the above description, a way exists to get into position in Venus atmosphere in a relatively safe manner. The descending structure functions much like a parachute in that it is intended to travel in only one direction, downward.
Unlike a parachute, however, should the mission run into a snag, each stage of the mission is reversible.
Should the atmospheric entry become compromised in some manner, a change of course through application of thrust will be required.
This simply reflects back to what may have been a question in the minds of the astute observer; how does this flying saucer maneuver in space?
The answer to that question is rocket exhaust. On the top-deck of the flying saucer are nested four of the previously described Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactor/Rocket Engines, (GCNR/RE), with another three mounted externally on the bottom deck. In space, or in an evacuate to space abort maneuver, the thrust from these shuttles will safely bring the flying saucer out of harm's way.
I say nested because they are mounted in shallow depressions within the structure of the hull shape of the flying saucer. This is to minimize air friction.
They are also detachable, should the need to completely evacuate the flying saucer become apparent. In that case the flying saucer would be presumed to be lost, having descended in an uncontrolled manner to the physical surface of Venus.
Assuming that the flying saucer has successfully transitioned to subsonic flight, and is descending under atmospheric control procedures, these same shuttles would be used for backup control modes, and as another launch order reversal procedure. In that instance, the vessel would return to aerodynamic profile, and use shuttle thrust to again exit the atmosphere and return to space.
In general, once the flying saucer has accomplished station hover, and is proceeding to the expansion phase, it is presumed that no evacuation to space will be necessary. The plan would be to either proceed to full deployment or to abandon the station.
Obviously, once the flying saucer has accomplished full inflation and normal atmospheric balance, no overall evacuation should be necessary except for catastrophic terminal abandonment.
Under normal circumstances, the shuttles at this stage would be prepared for their eventual role as crew rotation vessels and emergency evacuation devices. Leaving the flying saucer module under a launch protocol would involve an electromagnetic launch, as from an aircraft carrier.
A return flight from space to the atmospherically deployed flying saucer, would involve a thrust-controlled insertion to a landing dock on the ballast boom, entering from below.
External deck cranes may be utilized to reposition shuttles from top deck to bottom, or from bottom to top as required. These allow the shuttles to be repositioned without the need for operating close to the station under thrust.
As trade and exchange products and crew or other personnel are moved back and forth from Venus atmospheric stations to near-Venus orbital locations, these procedures will become commonplace and familiar.
Next page: Operations in Venus Orbit
Has NicknamedSue had her backrub yet?