Aphrodite Aerostat

Aphrodite Aerostat is a research station floating in the clouds above the surface of Venus. The station is floating about 50 km above the surface, using a combination of air filled balloons, and gigantic downward facing propellers.

Means of flotation
The aerostat is suspended from multiple large air filled balloons, similar to a hot air balloon. These air vessels provide the buoyant force to keep the station aloft at an altitude above Venus with an outside air pressure of around 1 atmosphere. The station is X shaped, with one balloon on each leg, and the station built in the middle of the X. Each of the four balloons is ~200 m in diameter.

In addition to the balloons, the station uses several large downward facing propellers to control vertical motion in the event of a balloon leak, or to provide finer altitude control.

Inhabitants
Aphrodite Aerostat is staffed by approximately 300 people. Most of of the staff are scientists, while some are construction workers, and a small number of security personnel. Every inhabitant on the station is an employee of TLM, which built and operates the station.

Due to the altitude of the station, pressurized space suits are not necessary while outside. Personnel who need to leave the station need only to wear gas masks and minimal protective clothing, taking care not to expose any skin to the acidic atmosphere.