Courtesy of NASA's National Space Science Data Center
Launch Date: 1969-01-10 On-orbit dry mass: 1130.00 kg
Description
Venera 6 was launched from a Tyazheliy Sputnik (69-002C) towards Venus to
obtain atmospheric data. The spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4,
although it was of a stronger design. 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 minutes on May 17, 1969, while the capsule was suspended from
the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. The
spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R.
and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.
Space History