Japanese probe successfully enters Venus’s orbit
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029426
Science : On 20 May 2010, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched Akatsuki, a probe that was planned to enter orbit around Venus to study the planet’s atmosphere. However, an engine malfunction during the maneuver to enter orbit on 7 December of that year resulted in JAXA deciding to set Akatsuki on a 5-year, 10-orbit path around the Sun. During that time, the agency was able to come up with a plan for a second Venus rendezvous using the craft’s attitude-control thrusters. Today JAXA reports that the attempt was successful and that Akatsuki is now in orbit around Venus. It is the first time that such a second attempt at orbital insertion has succeeded.
