Image credit: NASA/JPL/USGS

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced plans to launch an approximate 100-kilogram orbiter to Venus in 2023. It was announced at NASA’s semi-annual meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group. Twelve instruments are already planned for the orbiter (so far, without a name), including cameras and spectrometers; ISRO will solicit other instruments from global partners. The mission will also include a balloon that would carry instruments to approximately 55 kilometers above Venus’ surface — a region with temperatures and pressures not very different from those at the Earth’s surface. READ MORE »