Venus Express, ESA's first mission to Earth's nearest planetary neighbour, Venus. It was launched from Baikonur atop a Soyuz-Fregat vehicle on 9 November 2005 and arrived at the planet on 11 April 2006.The mission is due to last for two Venusian days, i.e. about 500 Earth days.
 
The probe's payload comprises a combination of spectrometers, spectro-imagers and imagers covering a wavelength range from ultraviolet to thermal infrared, a plasma analyser and a magnetometer to study the atmosphere, plasma environment and surface of Venus in great detail.  
 
Last update: 11 May 2006