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U.S.S.R. 



VENERA 1-16 

 U.S.S.R. 



"Big Science" Descriptor : Space: lunar and planetary probes 



Description of Facility/Instrument : These spacecraft had the mission 

 of gathering data on Venus. Some sent back pictures from the 

 surface of Venus and performed analysis of the atmosphere and 

 soli. Two are currently operating (VENERA 15 and 16) and are 

 planning radar mapping of the surface from orbit. 



Date of Construction : 1961-1983 (launches) 



Construction Cost : 1984 $$ : 



Present International Cooperation 



Nationality(s) of Ownership : U.S.S.R. 

 Nationality (s) of Operational Funding : U.S.S.R. 

 Nationality (s) of Management Staff : U.S.S.R. 

 Natlonality(s) of Researchers : U.S.S.R. 



Other Information: 



VENERA 1 



VENERA 2 



VENERA 3 



VENERA 4 



VENERA 5 



VENERA 6 



VENERA 7 



VENERA 8 



VENERA 9 



Launched 



February 14, 1961, partial success. The 

 communications failed, but it did pass Venus. 



November 12, 1965, partial success. The 

 communications failed, but it did pass Venus. 



November 16, 1965, partial success. The 

 communications failed, and it struck. Venus. 



June 12, 1967, success. It returned direct 

 readings of the atmosphere. 



January 5, 1969, success. It returned direct 

 readings of the atmosphere near the surface. 



January 10, 1964, success. It returned direct 

 readings of the atmosphere near the surface. 



August 17, 1970, successful soft landing. It 

 sent back data on the atmosphere and surface of 

 Venus. 



March 27. 1972, success. Atmospheric data and 

 soil analyses were returned. 



June 8, 1975, success. It returned pictures and 

 other data. 



