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Venera Program

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53-Year Orbit Ends as Soviet Venus Probe Kosmos 482 Returns to Earth
space2 hours ago

53-Year Orbit Ends as Soviet Venus Probe Kosmos 482 Returns to Earth

Kosmos 482, a Venus-landing capsule from the Soviet Venera program launched in 1972, failed at launch and spent 53 years in Earth orbit before re-entering on 10 May 2025; its titanium descent capsule, built to withstand Venus’ extreme conditions, may have survived re-entry and landed in the eastern Indian Ocean, though no debris has been confirmed; it stands as the last surviving relic of the Soviet Venus program and a remarkable twist in space history.

"Rare and Haunting Images Capture Venus Like Never Before"
space2 years ago

"Rare and Haunting Images Capture Venus Like Never Before"

The Soviet Venera program, conducted between 1961 and 1984, remains the only mission to have successfully sent images and audio from the surface of Venus. Despite the harsh conditions, including extreme heat and pressure, the Venera probes captured grainy but intriguing images of the Venusian landscape. Recent advancements in image processing have allowed for a closer examination of the data, revealing a golden-hued, volcanic world with dark grayish rocks and dirt. Studying Venus provides valuable insights into planetary evolution and the potential for habitability elsewhere in the universe. While no new landers have been sent to Venus, upcoming missions aim to study its atmosphere, with Roscosmos planning a future lander mission.