Maybe since the surface conditions are so nasty, it would be better not to mess with landing. A balloon-type probe would avoid most of the pressure and some of the temperature. With such a thick atmosphere, it ought to be easier to float. You couldn't study the surface by direct examination, but it would be good for checking out the atmosphere and weather patterns.
Slashdot Mirror
Maybe since the surface conditions are so nasty, it would be better not to mess with landing. A balloon-type probe would avoid most of the pressure and some of the temperature. With such a thick atmosphere, it ought to be easier to float. You couldn't study the surface by direct examination, but it would be good for checking out the atmosphere and weather patterns.