Venera 6

Launch data: Designation  03648 / 69002A Launch date  10 Jan 1969 - 05:51:52 Ut Launch site  Baikonur Launch vehicle  Molniya-M (8K78M) Mission  Venus lander Satellite type  4V-1 (#331) Heliocentric orbit Perihelion / Aphelion   Incl. to ecliptic   ° Period   min

Mission details:

• The spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4 although it was of a stronger design.
• Venera 6 was launched towards Venus to obtain atmospheric data. When the atmosphere of Venus was approached, a capsule weighing 405 kg was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. This capsule contained scientific instruments. During descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent.
• For 51 min on May 17, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. It landed at 5°S 23°E.
• 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).