European scientists to release Venus images
European scientists were today interpreting initial raw images and data received from the Venus Express spacecraft days after it began orbiting the planet on a mission to study its atmosphere and climate.
Scientists planned to release the first image of Venus’ southern pole later in the day, captured by the craft’s wide-angle, multi-channel camera, the European Space Agency said.
The camera is one of seven instruments aboard Venus Express, which entered into orbit around Earth’s nearest neighbour on Monday.
It is able to take pictures of the planet in three wavelengths that will allow scientists to study the dynamics of the clouds of sulphuric acid that shrouds the planet and of the Venusian surface.
Hours after Venus Express entered into orbit, ESA controllers in Darmstadt, Germany, received the first raw data from the craft.
Each instrument was then switched on individually to make sure they had all survived the critical insertion manoeuvre, which involved firing the craft’s main engine to slow it down so it could be captured by Venus’ gravity.
