RUSSIA TARGETS 2036 FOR VENERA-D VENUS MISSION LAUNCH
Why in News ?
Russia has announced plans to launch the Venera-D mission to Venus between 2034 and 2036. The mission will involve a lander, balloon probe, and orbital spacecraft, with preliminary design work beginning in January 2026 under its national space programme.
Mission Plans and Development:
● The Venera-D mission aims to revisit Venus after decades of Russian exploration.
● The Space Research Institute (IKI) confirmed that design work will start in 2026.
● The mission will deploy a lander, balloon probe, and orbiter for comprehensive study.
● Launch is expected between 2034 and 2036, after design and testing.
● The Lavochkin Association will collaborate on the mission’s design phase lasting two years.
Significance and Global Space Race
● Reinforces Russia’s ambition in the planetary exploration race.
● Contributes to studies on climate change models by analyzing Venus’s extreme atmosphere.
● Enhances international cooperation in deep-space research.
● Could offer insights into habitability of rocky planets.
● Marks a revival of Russian interplanetary exploration capabilities.
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“Venus Exploration: Key Facts ● Venera Program: Initiated by the Soviet Union in the 1960s, it provided the first data from Venus. ● Venus Facts: Known as Earth’s twin, with a thick CO₂ atmosphere, surface temperature ~465°C, and extreme pressure. ● Exploration Goals: Understanding greenhouse effect, volcanism, and atmospheric dynamics. ● Past Missions: Venera 7 (1970) – first successful soft landing on Venus. ● Global Interest: NASA (DAVINCI+ & VERITAS) and ESA also plan Venus missions in the 2030s. |