TAMPA, Fla. -- The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Thales Alenia Space a contract valued at €367 million ($383 million) for the development of the EnVision satellite, scheduled for launch in November 2031. This mission aims to conduct an extensive study of Venus, utilizing five scientific instruments and a radio science experiment contributed by various space agencies, including those from Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, and the United States.
ESA science director Carole Mundell emphasized the mission's significance, stating, "No other mission has ever attempted such a comprehensive investigation of our remarkably inhospitable neighbour." EnVision seeks to answer pivotal questions regarding planetary habitability.
NASA will provide the SAR sensor, VenSAR, and assist with communications via its Deep Space Network. The system requirements review for EnVision is anticipated in 2025, with full authorization expected by June 2026. The spacecraft will employ aerobraking to achieve its orbit around Venus, a technique that presents challenges in stability and temperature control.
EnVision builds on insights from ESA's Venus Express mission, which launched in 2005 and uncovered evidence of volcanic activity and atmospheric phenomena. This renewed focus on Venus aligns with NASA's upcoming VERITAS and DAVINCI missions, targeting the planet's atmosphere and geology.
In another development, ESA has confirmed the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-1D satellite aboard the Ariane 6 rocket, with liftoff planned for later this year. This satellite will enhance the Sentinel-1 mission, crucial for the EU's Earth observation program.
Additionally, the launch of the MetOp-SG-A1 weather satellite has been advanced to August 2025, also aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. This new generation of weather satellites promises significant improvements over its predecessors.
Lastly, Axiom Space is preparing for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), with a press conference scheduled for January 30 to introduce the crew, including ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, marking a notable milestone for Poland in human spaceflight.