Guillermo Söhnlein, co-founder of OceanGate, believes it is feasible to send humans to Venus “safely,”
As reported by the Independent, Söhnlein suggests that with the right technology, such as breathing apparatus and acid-resistant materials, humans could overcome Venus’s harsh conditions, known for their extreme heat and toxic clouds.
In an April blog post, Söhnlein proposed the idea of humans living and working 50 kilometres above Venus’s surface, where conditions resemble those of Earth more closely. Given the technical challenges of landing on the latter, he argues this could be a realistic alternative to Mars.
Söhnlein’s proposal introduces Venus as a possible target for human colonization, inviting a reevaluation of what constitutes a habitable environment in space. He notes that avoiding the complexities of landing on Mars could make Venus a preliminary step in space colonization.
Through his involvement in various initiatives, he rallies scientists, explorers, and investors to support his vision. After leaving OceanGate in January 2020, he established the Humans2Venus Foundation and, more recently, launched Space Bridge Partners in January this year. The new venture aims to connect commercial investors with space exploration opportunities.
His former business partner, Stockton Rush, tragically died in June last year when their submersible, Titan, imploded during a dive into the Titanic, also claiming four other lives. Despite this setback, Söhnlein continues to pursue ambitious space exploration goals.
