Venus

Atmospheric composition using the SOIR dataset

As SOIR measured in solar occultation, the spectral dataset consists in transmittances. They represent absorption lines of molecular species. All the measurements are available online on the VESPA platform. Several papers were published using this dataset, mostly investigating the composition of the mesosphere and determining its temperature profile. 

Expected performances of the VenSpec-H instrument onboard EnVision

Using ASIMUT-ALVL and our performance model, we are able to simulate the expected measurements as performed by VenSpec-H. This is very useful in order to prepare for the EnVision mission.

Spectroscopic measurements

In the frame of various projects, among which RT-MOLEXO, we develop experimental set-ups or we collaborate to improve the spectroscopic databases in preparation for the EnVision mission.

SOIR - Solar Occultation in the Infrared

SOIR was a high resolution spectrometer operating in the infrared region in the solar occultation viewing geometry. It was part of the payload of Venus Express which orbited Venus between 2008 and 2014. SOIR enabled the scientists to characterize the molecular composition of the Venusian mesosphere.

VenSpec-H - Venus Spectrometer at High resolution

VenSpec-H is a high resolution spectrometer operating in the infrared spectral range. This instrument is designed to measure tiny variations of trace species in the Venus atmosphere and potentially link these variations to volcanic activity. This instrument will be part of the EnVision payload to be launche in 2031 by ESA.