I had previously stated that we should go to Venus then Mars. Going towards the Sun allows effective use of solar sails to reduce propellent requirement and reduce the voyage time. Here is the roadmap for Venus exploration.
Optimal time for flyby Venus varies from 3.45 to 3.6 km/s from LEO for the optimal time every 19 months (Does it take more energy to get to Venus or to Mars?). The first mission would be the Sun Synchronous Orbiting satellite that serves as a communications relay for the Venus explorer robots. Sun synchronous orbit allows continuous solar power generation reducing the need for high capacity batteries. Additionally the satellite would continuously monitor the solar activities for scientific research.
The second mission will be the Venus Explorer. The dense atmosphere of Venus allows aerocapture (Aerocapture). Therefore Venus explorers do not need heavy shields or extra propulsion to slow down in the descent phase. The dense atmosphere also allows flying above the surface to explore larger areas. The design of the Venus Explorer will be the combination of a balloon and a glider. This will allow the explorer to stay aloft for longer durations without a propellent requirement. The explorer will also be able to descent just above the surface and lower detectors and grabbers to retrieve samples from the surface, then ascent again to explore more regions.
Venus explorer will generate electricity from multiple sources. The first one would be the sun, even though the clouds obscure most of the rays. Venus day lasts 243 Earth days which allows longer mission times. Additionally, strong winds and high temperature differences allow alternative electric generation methods.
Venus mission would be followed by Mercury and then the Sun. The mysteries of the universe lies within the Stars. Therefore we should research towards the Sun not away from it.
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