Things are finally looking up for NASA's first missions to Venus in a generation

After a long hiatus, NASA is preparing to launch its first missions to Venus in over a generation. The agency has two spacecraft slated for liftoff in the early 2030s. The first mission, Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging (DAVINCI), is set to embark on its journey in December 2030, marking a year earlier than initially anticipated. DAVINCI will deploy a parachute-assisted probe to delve into Venus' atmosphere, capturing the first direct images of the planet's surface since 1982.

Following DAVINCI's launch, Venus Emissivity, Radio science, InSAR, Topography, And Spectroscopy (VERITAS) will take the stage in November 2032. VERITAS will orbit Venus, meticulously mapping the planet's surface using radar technology from orbit. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency is constructing its own orbiter, Envision, also scheduled for launch in 2032.

The Venus exploration effort may gain further momentum as early as next year, when Rocket Lab plans to launch a privately funded probe to hunt for signs of organic material within the planet's thick clouds.