Akatsuki Venus Probe Mission Declared Complete After Camera Loss
Tokyo, Japan – Japan’s Akatsuki spacecraft, which has been studying Venus’s atmosphere for over eight years, has concluded its mission following the permanent loss of contact with two of its infrared cameras. The cameras, IR1 and IR2, initially ceased functioning in December 2016 due to electronic issues and were ultimately lost in April 2024, despite a year-long effort to re-establish communication.
despite this loss, the Japan Aerospace Exploration agency (JAXA) considers the mission a success, as Akatsuki considerably exceeded its planned operational lifespan. Launched in 2010 (though experiencing an initial delay), the probe has provided invaluable data on Venusian atmospheric phenomena.
Akatsuki’s observations have yielded important breakthroughs in planetary meteorology, most notably the detection of the largest stationary gravity wave yet observed in the solar system. This wave is linked to the planet’s unusual atmospheric superrotation – a phenomenon where the upper atmosphere rotates much faster than the surface.
Currently, no spacecraft are actively orbiting Venus. Though, future missions are in growth, including three planned by NASA - DAVINCI, VERITAS, and VERITAS – and one with the European Space Agency (ESA), EnVision. These missions are slated to arrive at venus in the late 2020s and early 2030s, continuing the exploration of our enigmatic sister planet.
