Venus subsurface ionosphere radar sounder: VENSIS

Abstract

The main features of the VENSIS radar in the VENUS EXPRESS mission are shown and the expected subsurface and ionosphere sounding performance have been discussed, according to the models of the Venus crust composition, geometric structure and ionosphere environment. VENSIS complements Magellan data of the surface and subsurface of Venus by using long wavelength sounding radar to probe the third dimension of the Venusian crust. Ionosphere sounding improves new unique data in the solar wind interactions with the planet, and is used to monitor the atmosphere for lightning.