Russia eyes 2036 Venus mission to revive Soviet space legacy

Russia plans a 2036 Venus mission named Venera-D, a multi-vehicle project including a lander, balloon and orbiter to study Venus’ atmosphere and clouds for signs of microbial life, aiming to revive the Soviet-era space prestige. The program, in development since 2003, is part of Roscosmos’ broader lunar/planetary ambitions, with officials citing historic Venera landings as a foundation, while other nations pursue their own Venus missions as Moscow presses ahead.