Russia is reigniting its interplanetary ambitions with plans to return to Venus through the Venera-D mission before 2036, marking its first major planetary exploration effort in decades. The mission, now formally integrated into Russia's national space program, signals renewed investment in cutting-edge space technology and scientific discovery.
Blueprint for Cosmic Exploration
Preparations are accelerating as the Space Research Institute (IKI) collaborates with spacecraft manufacturer Lavochkin Association. Preliminary design work will begin in January 2026, with a two-year draft phase to finalize technical specifications. "The launch will occur within the current planning period, no later than 2036," confirmed IKI's Oleg Korablev, though colleagues suggest 2034-2035 as more likely targets.
Triple-Threat Spacecraft
The mission architecture features an orbital spacecraft for atmospheric analysis, a durable lander to study Venus' extreme surface conditions, and an innovative balloon probe designed to float within the planet's dense cloud layers. This multi-component approach aims to unravel mysteries about Venus' climate history and geological activity.
Academician Lev Zeleny emphasized the mission's strategic importance: "Venus remains a priority for planetary science. The data could reshape our understanding of Earth-like planets." The project positions Russia to reclaim leadership in space exploration amid growing global interest in Venus missions.
