The Soviet Venus Quest: First Color Photos From a Blazing World
The Soviet Union led nearly 30 Venus missions (Venera and Vega) from 1961–1984, becoming the only nation to land on Venus and transmit color surface photos before the extreme heat and pressure ended the probes; Venera 14 (1982) delivered iconic panoramic images, while Vega 2 (1984–85) deployed a balloon for atmospheric data, including a famous lens-cap mishap; future Venus missions (Venera-D) are discussed but uncertain due to funding.