Japan's Akatsuki spacecraft wraps up its Venus mission
Japan's Akatsuki spacecraft, the last orbiter circling Venus, has officially wrapped up its mission after losing contact with Earth near the end of April 2024.
Launched back in 2010, Akatsuki had a rocky start—missing its first shot at orbit—but pulled off a comeback in 2015 using backup thrusters.
This marked Japan's first successful interplanetary orbiter.
Mission to Venus
Akatsuki spent over eight years sending back data on Venus's wild atmosphere and weather—way past its planned lifespan.
The mission led to 178 scientific papers, including discoveries like the Solar System's largest stationary gravity wave and insights into Venus's super-fast winds.
Its unique orbit let it track changes across the planet from close up and far away.
No spacecraft currently studying Venus
With Akatsuki gone, there are no spacecraft currently watching Venus up close—Earth-based telescopes just can't compete.
But NASA has new missions (DAVINCI and VERITAS) lined up for the early 2030s, and Europe's EnVision will follow later that decade.
Until then, our mysterious neighbor will have to wait for more visitors.