European Space Agency (ESA) has announced about its probe called ‘EnVision’ to study Venus, after American Space agency NASA decided to send two missions to the planet.
About EnVision
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EnVision will be the next orbiter to circle over Venus. It will provide a holistic view of planet from its inner core to upper atmosphere.
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It will determine how and why Venus and Earth evolved so differently, even though they lie in habitable zone to the Sun as opposed to Nasa probes DAVINCI+ and VERITAS which will enter into atmosphere of Venus.
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ESA will launch its probe by 2030.
Why Venus is attracting scientists?
Venus is the closest neighbour of Earth in inner solar system. It is similar in size & composition to Earth. Despite that, both the planets have evolved differently. Venus is not inhabitable like Earth but has witnessed severe climatic changes. It has developed a toxic atmosphere which is enshrouded with thick sulphuric acid-rich clouds.
What EnVision will study?
Orbiter Envision will be loaded with a sounder which will study underground layering, and spectrometer which will study atmosphere & surface. Spectrometers will monitor trace gases in atmosphere and analyse surface composition and look for any changes which could be linked to signs of active volcanism. A radio science experiment on orbiter will probe internal structure and gravity field of planet.