Venera 5

Launch data: Designation  03642 / 69001A Launch date  05 Jan 1969 - 06:28:08 UT Launch site  Baikonur Launch vehicle  Molniya-M (8K78M) Mission  Venus lander Satellite type  4V-1 (#330) Heliocentric orbit Perihelion / Aphelion   Incl. to ecliptic   ° Period   min

Mission details:

• Venera 5 was launched from a Tyazheliy Sputnik (69-001C) towards Venus to obtain atmospheric data. The spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4 although it was of a stronger design.
• On May 16, 1969 the Soviet Venera 5 spacecraft reached Venus and deployed a lander. A capsule weighing 405 kg and containing scientific instruments was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. During satellite descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent. For 53 min on May 16, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned.
  The spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the State Coat of Arms of the U.S.S.R. and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.
• Given the results from Venera 4, the Venera 5 and Venera 6 landers contained new chemical analysis experiments tuned to provide more precise measurements of the atmosphere′s components. Knowing the atmosphere was extremely dense, the parachutes were also made smaller so the capsule would reach its full crush depth before running out of power (as Venera 4 had done).