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1960's
modern instruments begin to reveal more about Venus including surface temperature estimates. -
Venera 3
Venera 3 crashed into Venus, becoming the first ship to reach another planet. -
Venera 4
Venera 4 managed a soft landing on Venus, providing information about surface temperature and atmospheric pressure. -
U.S. Mariner 5
The Mariner 5 flew by Venus, providing information about pressure, density, and other characteristics of the planet. -
Venera 5 and 6
Venera 5 and 6 parachute in to the Venusian atmosphere, and continue collecting more data about Venus. -
to 1992, Pioneer oribts Venus
The Pioneer makes the first truly global maps of Venus using radar altimetryradar. -
The ESA launches Venus Express spacecraft
It began orbiting Venus on April 11, 2006, on its mission to perform a comprehensive study of the atmosphere and climate of Venus. (ESA is the European Space Agency) -
NASA MESSANGER flyby
- The NASA MESSENGER (which stands for "Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging") flew by Venus in October 2006 and June 2007, the messenger found data on the venetian atmosphere and dynamics.
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JAXA launches its probe, Akatsuki
- The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched its probe, Akatsuki (previously called Planet-C and Venus Climate Orbiter), on May 20, 2010, for the purpose of orbiting Venus. However, it did not successfully accomplish an orbital insertion in December 2010.
