images

Venus Express probe during testing

by

ESA/J.L.Atteleyn/Novapix

Reference

e-son20-00002

Date

2006-11-23

ESA's Venus Express probe during testing in Intespace's facilities in Toulouse, France, in February 2005. The 1.3-m-diameter High Gain Antenna for communications is visible on the front side of the spacecraft. Also visible are the specially designed solar arrays (in stored position). Venus Express has been launched from Baikonur atop a Soyuz-Fregat vehicle in november 2005 and orbits the planet Venus since april 11 2006.