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

After a long hiatus, NASA's first Venus missions in generations are finally on track for launch. Two missions, DAVINCI and VERITAS, are set to embark on their respective journeys in the early 2030s. DAVINCI, short for Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging, is slated for launch in December 2030, a year ahead of its initial schedule.

The mission aims to send a parachute-assisted probe through Venus' atmosphere, capturing the first direct images of the planet's surface since 1982. VERITAS, or Venus Emissivity, Radio science, InSAR, Topography, And Spectroscopy, will follow in November 2032, mapping the Venusian surface through radar from orbit. The European Space Agency is also contributing to the Venusian exploration effort by building the Envision orbiter, which is scheduled for launch in 2032.

Adding to this Venusian armada is a privately funded mission from Rocket Lab, aiming to launch next year to search for organic material in Venus' clouds.