Japan’s ‘Planet C’ Spacecraft Goes Silent: What This Means for Humanity’s Quest to Explore Venus

Japan has recently wrapped up its “Planet C” mission, saying goodbye to the Akatsuki spacecraft that explored Venus for over eight years. Launched in May 2010, Akatsuki faced a rocky start when a key engine failure caused it to miss Venus during its first approach in 2010. Instead of giving up, JAXA, Japan’s space agency, cleverly adjusted Akatsuki’s path to eventually secure a stable orbit.

By December 2015, JAXA confirmed that Akatsuki was successfully circling Venus. It entered an elongated orbit that allowed it to gather valuable data on the planet’s atmosphere. The spacecraft used four cameras to capture images in ultraviolet and infrared light, helping scientists understand Venusian weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics. According to NASA, this continuous imaging created one of the most comprehensive datasets on Venus’s atmosphere to date.

Despite a few technical hiccups—like the shutdown of two of its cameras to prolong functionality—Akatsuki persisted until April 2024, when communication was lost. JAXA tried to reestablish contact but ultimately decided to conclude the mission. Akatsuki had outlived its expected lifespan and accomplished much during its time.

The mission yielded groundbreaking findings, like the discovery of the largest stationary gravity waves in the Solar System and insights into Venus’s super-rotation—how its atmosphere moves much faster than the planet itself.

While the loss of Akatsuki leaves a gap in Venus exploration, plans are in the works for new missions. NASA aims to launch three projects—DAVINCI, VERITAS, and the European Space Agency’s EnVision—in the late 2020s. However, possible budget cuts may jeopardize these missions.

Public interest in Venus has surged, especially due to recent claims of potential biosignatures in its clouds, igniting debates about the possibility of life beyond Earth. As space exploration continues, the hopes for understanding Venus better remain alive.

For further insights on space missions, check out JAXA’s detailed reports here.

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