NASA plans to launch two new scientific missions to Venus by 2030

NASA on Wednesday announced plans to launch two new scientific missions to Venus by 2030. This will be the first NASA exploration of the planet since 1989. The new NASA projects aim to study the atmosphere and geologic features of Earth’s so-called sister planet. The United States space agency said it was spending about $500m for development of each of the two missions . The new missions are dubbed DAVINCI+ (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble Gases, Chemistry and Imaging) and VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy). DAVINCI+ Mission will help measure the composition of the dense Venusian atmosphere to understand how it evolved and VERITAS will map the planet’s surface from orbit to help determine its geological history, NASA said. DAVINCI+ is also expected to return the first high-resolution images of unique geological characteristics on Venus called “tesserae”. Tesserae are the most geologically complex regions seen on Venus with rugged and elevated features. Surface temperatures in Venus can go as high as 471°C (880F), hot enough to melt lead. Scientists believe Venus may have once harbored seas of water potentially suitable for life before unknown forces triggered an extreme greenhouse effect, vaporising its oceans. NASA’s Magellan spacecraft made the first global map of the Venusian surface in 1990. Scientist says that Venus missions will provide valuable insights in our fight against climate change.

[SpaceFactsWax]

Thanks for uploading. I had the opportunity to see a rocket launch in 2018. Unbelievable experience. I shared a pretty fun video of the trip to my page.