The science case for an in-situ measurement platform in the Venus clouds

The next step for Venus exploration after the remote sensing missions of the early 2030s will be in-situ aerial platforms, the Venus equivalent of rovers for Mars. Sophisticated Venus balloon technology is already under development and presents an opportunity for the United Kingdom to act as a bilateral partner in missions exploring key questions about the volcanic and geological history of Venus, the potential habitability of the Venus clouds, and Venus as an analogue for exoplanets. White paper written for the UKSA Space Frontiers 2035 programme.