EnVision is a planned Venus orbiter designed to study the planet from its upper atmosphere to its core.
EnVision wasannounced in 2021, within days of NASA announcing its own intentions to head to ourhellish neighbor.
The flurry of missions follow up on a prolonged lull in Venusian investigation.
An artist’s impression of EnVision orbiting Venus.Illustration:ESA/VR2Planets/Damia Bouic
NASAs last visit to Venus was the Magellan mission, which ended in 1994.
But even that missionthe most recent to Venuslaunched back in 2010.
The orbiter is expected to depart for the planet on an Ariane 6 rocket.
Terrains spotted by the Magellan mission will be investigated further by EnVision.Graphic:ESA (acknowledgement: work performed by ATG under contract to ESA)
NASAs announced its plans for two Venus missionsVERITAS and DAVINCI+in June 2021.
While ESA is notfretting about costs like NASA, a lot can change in seven years.
But now, with ESAs blessing, EnVision is one step closer to deciphering Venus many mysteries.
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