Exploring Venus: next generation missions beyond those currently planned

As of mid-2023 at least ten missions are in development or being planned to explore Venus the next 2 decades. Most these emphasize atmospheric chemistry and surface/interior scientific objectives only a few directly address past present habitability as primary science goal. All employ previously flight-tested platforms—Orbiters general probes, yet none (as yet) plan utilize longer-lived platforms (e.g., balloons airships) landers. Thus several key questions about will necessarily remain unanswered after current wave which starting 2029 continuing throughout 2030s. This future-oriented perspective outlines major that next-generation should for better understanding planet system provide reliable comparative basis Venus-analogue exoplanets can be investigated by means remote observations such from James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). generation may require long lived either float “fly” different altitudes, longer surface stations, eventually samples atmosphere/cloud particles (aerosols) returned Earth laboratories. Although ideas aerial platforms, long-lived landers, return conceptualized ready upcoming international competed opportunities NASA, ESA, ISRO, JAXA), they await further investment technologies combination measurement capabilities flight-system performance make breakthroughs community expect, guided longstanding priorities.