The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced that its Venus probe, Akatsuki, has mysteriously gone silent. The spacecraft, which has been orbiting Venus and conducting critical scientific research since 2015, lost contact with mission control in late April. 

This unexpected development could mark the end of humanity’s sole ongoing mission to study the planet Venus up close.

Fading Out

In a recent update on X (formerly known as Twitter), JAXA’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) stated that communication with Akatsuki was lost “after an operation in late April due to an extended period of low attitude stability control mode.” 

Despite the setback, the institute is actively working to reestablish contact with the spacecraft. If these efforts fail, the loss of Akatsuki would mean the end of real-time data collection from Venus, a planet known for its extreme and inhospitable environment.

Twin Connection

Officially named the Venus Climate Orbiter (PLANET-C), Akatsuki was launched in 2010. 

Although it initially failed to enter Venus’ orbit due to a malfunction in its main engine, the mission team managed to correct its course, and Akatsuki successfully entered orbit around Venus in 2015. The probe, equipped with five cameras, has been invaluable in capturing detailed images and data about Venus’ atmosphere.

Venus, often referred to as Earth’s “twin” due to its similar size, mass, and composition, presents a harsh environment with temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit and atmospheric pressures capable of crushing metal. 

Akatsuki’s mission has provided critical insights into these extreme conditions, contributing significantly to our understanding of Venus.

Greener Pastures

If contact with Akatsuki cannot be reestablished, it would not be an unexpected loss. The probe has already surpassed its originally projected lifespan of 4.5 years, continuing to operate and send data nearly a decade later. Despite this, its absence would leave a substantial gap in our continuous observation of Venus.

NASA has plans to launch two new missions to Venus, DAVINCI and VERITAS, scheduled for 2029 and 2031, respectively. These missions aim to advance Akatsuki’s knowledge and continue the exploration of Venus.

Until then, the scientific community can only hope that Akatsuki can resume communication or patiently wait for these upcoming missions.

JAXA’s Announcement

In its filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, revealed that a “criminal threat actor” had offered user data for sale via the dark web. 

The breach was disclosed by hackers who posted an advertisement for the data on Wednesday evening. Ticketmaster initially refused to confirm the breach to reporters or customers, notifying shareholders late on Friday.

Significance of the Mission

Akatsuki’s mission has been crucial in advancing our understanding of Venus’ climate and atmospheric dynamics. The probe has been conducting scientific observations since its successful orbital insertion in 2015, despite its initial setback. 

Its contributions include detailed studies of weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and potential volcanic activity on Venus.

Challenges and Achievements

Akatsuki’s journey has not been without challenges. After failing to enter orbit around Venus in 2010, the spacecraft spent five years orbiting the Sun before successfully reaching its target. Since then, it has provided valuable data, making unexpected observations and enhancing our knowledge of Venus. 

The mission has showcased the resilience and problem-solving capabilities of JAXA engineers.

Future Prospects

Even if Akatsuki cannot be rescued, the mission has significantly impacted our understanding of Venus. The scientific data gathered over nearly a decade has laid a strong foundation for future explorations. 

New missions from NASA, the European Space Agency, and other international partners are expected to continue the exploration of Venus, addressing questions about its greenhouse effect and atmospheric conditions.

The mysterious disappearance of Japan’s Akatsuki probe underscores the challenges of space exploration, especially when dealing with hostile environments like Venus. While efforts to reestablish communication are ongoing, the potential loss of Akatsuki marks a significant moment in space exploration. 

As the scientific community awaits the next generation of Venus missions, the legacy of Akatsuki will continue to influence and inspire future research.

The information is taken from Yahoo News and WION