Scientists have developed a new proposal for exploring Venus using aerial robotic platforms called aerobots equipped with in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) capabilities. The concept envisions robotic vehicles that could operate within Venus' dense atmosphere for extended periods by harvesting local atmospheric resources.
The ISRU technology would allow the aerobots to extract and process materials directly from Venus' atmosphere, potentially enabling self-sustaining operations. This approach could dramatically extend mission duration compared to traditional spacecraft that rely solely on Earth-supplied resources and power systems.