Venus Express

Posted by SpaceSightSeer on April 14, 2009 under Unmanned Missions | Be the First to Comment

Venus Express

While Mars has been stealing all the headlines, ESA’s Venus Express has been quietly exploring the planet’s atmosphere and environment. It’s mission, due to end end May of this year has been extended again until December 2009.

Venus Express has detected water molecules escaping into space, evidence of lightning in the venusian atmosphere, and provided infrared glimpses of the hot surface.  The spacecraft has revealed astonishing details of the planet’s dynamic cloud system, including its striking double-eyed atmospheric vortex that dominates the south pole. This gallery includes over 150 images and videos providing a glimpse inside Venus’ mysterious atmospheric cloud.

Mars Express Image Browser

Posted by SpaceSightSeer on January 4, 2009 under Unmanned Missions | Be the First to Comment

Mars Express Image Browser

The European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter completed its primary mission and remains in orbit around the red planet viewing the martian surface with a variety of instruments. Although the Beagle 2 - it’s partner lander - was lost, Mars Express has continued to function well, returning useful images and data. The flash-based interface on this site allows visitors to click on interesting features of the martian surface to view some of the best pictures. A traditional image gallery for the mission is also available.