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JAXA's Akatsuki Ends Venus Mission; Future Exploration Uncertain

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that its Akatsuki Venus orbiter is no longer responsive, ending human-made presence in Venus' orbit.
Launched in 2010, Akatsuki contributed data for over 170 scientific papers during its mission.
Future exploration includes NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS missions, though funding is uncertain due to proposed budget cuts.
Rocket Lab plans to launch its Venus Life Finder mission in 2026, while the European Space Agency's EnVision mission is scheduled for 2031 and India's ISRO aims for a 2028 launch.

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Story summary

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that its Akatsuki Venus orbiter is no longer responsive, ending human-made presence in Venus' orbit.
Launched in 2010, Akatsuki contributed data for over 170 scientific papers during its mission.
Future exploration includes NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS missions, though funding is uncertain due to proposed budget cuts.
Rocket Lab plans to launch its Venus Life Finder mission in 2026, while the European Space Agency's EnVision mission is scheduled for 2031 and India's ISRO aims for a 2028 launch.