Venus Express objectives


Thanks to a set of state-of-the-art instruments for planetary investigations, Venus Express will dig into the secrets of the Venusian atmosphere.
 
It will study its complex dynamics and chemistry, and the interactions between the atmosphere and the surface, which will give clues about surface’s characteristics.

It will also study the interactions between the atmosphere and the interplanetary environment (solar wind) to better understand the evolution of the planet.

In the most comprehensive study of the Venusian atmosphere ever, Venus Express will address many open questions:

  • How do the complex global dynamics of the planet work?
    - What causes the super-fast atmospheric rotation and the hurricane-force winds?
    - What maintains the double atmospheric vortex at the poles?

  • How does the cloud system work?
    - How do clouds and haze form and evolve at different altitudes?
    - What is at the origin of mysterious ultraviolet marks at the clouds tops?

  • What processes govern the chemical state of the atmosphere?

  • What role does the ‘green-house effect’ play in the global evolution of the Venusian climate?

  • What governs the escape processes of the atmosphere?

  • Are there water, carbon dioxide or sulphuric acid cycles on Venus?

  • What caused the global volcanic resurfacing of Venus 500 million years ago?

  • Why are some areas on the surface so reflective to radar?

  • Is there present volcanic or seismic activity on the planet?

 
 
  
Last update: 4 August 2005

 •  Looking at Venus (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/index.html)

Launch replay

 •  Venus Express launch (mms://esawms.cdnetworks.net/esawms/wmv/Venus_Express_launch_low.wmv)

Related articles

 •  Venus Express performs flawlessly, LEOP complete (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMK9UJBWFE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express mission operations update (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESOC/SEM780738FE_0.html)
 •  "Venus Express, give me a GO/NO GO for launch..." (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEM6SV638FE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express: ready for lift-off (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMAWL638FE_0.html)
 •  Green light for Venus Express launcher fuelling (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMJVL638FE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express countdown activities started (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEM93L638FE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express moved back to launch pad (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEM24K638FE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express set for transport to launcher assembly building (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEM1BB6Y3EE_0.html)
 •  Venus Express mated with upper-stage (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMTYW5Y3EE_0.html)

More about...

 •  Status reports (http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=31575 &farchive_objecttypeid=30 &farchive_objectid=30930)
 •  Launch in detail (http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=31574 &farchive_objecttypeid=31 &farchive_objectid=30928)
 •  Venus Express factsheet (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEM2EE1A6BD_0.html)

Related links

 •  Starsem - the Soyuz (http://www.starsem.com/)
 •  Venus Express operations (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEM7QMQJNVE_0.html)
 •  Cebreros station webcam (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEM26DSMTWE_0.html)