re: Let's kick up the debate here on more ambitious projects. How about a Venus Sample Return Mission?
Could a round balloon-probe survive down to the surface/
It would have to contain gases pressurizing upto about 1300 PSI for pressure equalibrium and the fabric would have to withstand temperatures hot enough to melt lead...Of course the fabric could be soaked in
ablative evaporants [carbon phenolic? ammonia substances? etc... ] but the protection would be brief; an hour or two maybe.
A glider is a good idea though.