Russia plans Venera-D mission to Venus in 2036

Russian state media reports Roscosmos plans to launch Venera-D — a lander, balloon and orbiter mission to Venus — in 2036. The project, in development since about 2003, follows Soviet-era Venera landings and would include atmospheric study of possible biomarkers.

Russia is preparing to return to Venus with a multi-vehicle mission called Venera-D, which state media said is planned for launch in 2036. The mission would carry a lander, balloon and orbiter to study the planet and its atmosphere. Venera-D has been in development since about 2003 and was at one point discussed as a possible joint project with NASA before international cooperation changed after 2022. Russian officials and Roscosmos say missions to the moon and Venus occupy a central place in current robotic space plans. Key facts: - Russian state media reported a planned Venera-D launch in 2036. - Venera-D is described as a multi-vehicle mission including an orbiter, lander and a balloon. - The project has been under discussion since around 2003 and was previously considered for collaboration with NASA. - Russian officials cited the historical Venera program, which achieved multiple landings on Venus in the 1960s–1980s, as background to the plan. - One stated scientific goal is to study Venus’ clouds for possible microbial signatures after disputed detections of phosphine and ammonia. Summary: If proceeded with, the mission would mark Russia’s return to direct Venus exploration and build on past Soviet Venera landings. The next stated milestone is a planned launch in 2036; other program details and international partnerships are undetermined at this time.