I for one was disappointed with the selection of the Venus missions over the missions to Io and Triton (the 2 missions that were given the shaft):
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/n...e-solar-system
The criteria used was feasibility and scientific value. So BOTH missions go to Venus? It sounds like someone caved in on one criterion only and that won the day. How else do you end up with one location? Landing on a planet seems a bit easier than landing on a moon of a planet; planets seem relatively slower with more uniform orbits. Venus has a lot more atmosphere to deal with, and is more of a mystery, and is likely to be much more corrosive on our equipment and likely to make success difficult. Perhaps they are looking to see what greenhouse effects look like. But looking for life like situations, and very different environments, they missed the mark because Io and Titan provided that. Perhaps Venus is just closer.
Also, with the suggestion of increased funding of NASA in the Biden budget, maybe the other 2 projects will have a chance.
Larry
DevilHorse