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Venus Express set for launch to the cryptic planet

21 October 2005

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Artist's impression of the ESA spacecraft Venus Express in orbit around Venus, launch date 26 October 2005.

Credits: ESA

The journey starts at launch

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Artist's impression of the Soyuz-Fregat rocket during launch, at fairing jettison. The 'fairing' is the white protective/aerodynamic nose cone.

Credits: ESA / AOES Medialab

Plenty of ground activities for a successful trip

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Artist's impression of Venus Express mounted on the Fregat upper-stage rocket.

Credits: ESA / AOES Medialab

Reaching for Venus

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Artist's impression of the Venus Express orbit insertion

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Artist's impression of the Venus Express orbit insertion on 11 April 2006. In this phase of the mission, the most challenging since launch, the spacecraft's main engine burns for about 50 minutes, to reduce its speed with respect to Venus to allow the the spacecraft to be captured by the planet's gravitation.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

Looking at Venus

More about...

Venus Express factsheet Venus Express in-depth Status reports

Venus Express ready for lift-off Postcards from Venus: enter the Planetary Society Art Contest Venus Express mated with upper-stage Venus Express Flight Control Team preps for launch Venus Express ready for 'mating' with upper-stage Venus Express propellant loading completed Venus Express gets wings Venus Express electrical tests complete No shortage of mysteries on Venus