Spectroscopy of the Surface of Venus - in the Laboratory and from Orbit

Abstract

Interpretation of mineralogy using VNIR spectroscopy data from orbiters requires spectral libraries acquired under conditions matching those on the surfaces being studied. Recent advances in high-temperature laboratory spectroscopy at the Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory at DLR provide the necessary data and enable novel instruments like the Venus Emissvity Mapper.The instrument is currently on the payload of the ESA EnVision proposal as the VenSpec-M channel in the VenSpec spectrometer suite. It is also part of the VERITAS mission proposal for the NASA Discovery call. Combining VEM with a high-resolution radar mapper will provide key insights into the divergent evolution of Venus and Earth. Flying VEM on more than one mission will enable a long timeline of monitoring for volcanic activity on Venus. Combined with the existing VenusExpress data [1-3], VEM enables detection and mapping of surface changes over decades.