Venera 6

Courtesy of NASA's National Space Science Data Center

Launch Date: 1969-01-10
On-orbit dry mass: 1130.00 kg

Description

Venera 6 was launched from a Tyazheliy Sputnik (69-002C) towards Venus to obtain atmospheric data. The spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4, although it was of a stronger design. When the atmosphere of Venus was approached, a capsule weighing 405 kg was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. This capsule contained scientific instruments. During descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent. For 51 minutes on May 17, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. The spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R. and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.