Akatsuki: a JAXA orbiter mission to explore Venus launched in 2010, it was Japan’s first mission to explore another planet. The spacecraft is a 1.04 m x 1.45 m x 1.40 m (3.4 feet x 4.7 feet x 4.5 feet) box, with the solar panels, dimensions extend to 5.1 meters (16.7 feet) from end to end. The mission’s main objectives are to scan and study the atmospheric motion of Venus and the mystery of Venus’ surface and clouds slow rotation.
The mission is equipped with five cameras to help it study Venus’ climate and atmosphere. Three cameras are within the infrared ranges, another is within the ultraviolet range, and another that senses lightning flashes on Venus. Additionally, Akatsuki is equipped with an oscillator giving the climate profiles of Venus and its atmosphere.
Source & Photo Credit: NASA