# EnVision

> proposed mission to Venus

**Wikidata**: [Q55610853](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55610853)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EnVision)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/envision

## Summary  
EnVision is a proposed planetary probe and orbiter mission to Venus, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It aims to study Venus’s atmosphere, surface, and interior to better understand how Earth’s sister planet evolved so differently. The mission is planned for launch in November 2031 at the earliest.

## Key Facts  
- **Funder**: European Space Agency (ESA)  
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA)  
- **Destination**: Venus  
- **Launch Date**: No earlier than November 2031  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-4  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 64  
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space  
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays  
- **Scientific Instrument**: Venus Emissivity Mapper  
- **Instance Of**: Planetary probe, orbiter (specifically for Venus), proposed entity  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is EnVision?  
A: EnVision is a proposed ESA mission to Venus designed to investigate the planet's atmosphere, surface, and internal structure. Its goal is to uncover why Venus, despite being similar in size to Earth, evolved into such a hostile environment.

### Q: When will EnVision launch?  
A: EnVision is scheduled to launch no earlier than November 2031. The exact date may depend on mission readiness and launch window constraints.

### Q: Who is building the EnVision spacecraft?  
A: The spacecraft is being manufactured by Thales Alenia Space under the direction of the European Space Agency.

## Why It Matters  
EnVision represents one of the next major steps in planetary science, aiming to unlock the mysteries of Venus—a planet often described as Earth’s twin but with surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead and an atmospheric pressure over 90 times that of Earth. By analyzing Venus’s geology, atmospheric composition, and potential signs of past habitability, EnVision could help scientists understand planetary evolution and climate dynamics across the solar system. The mission also contributes to international efforts to explore Earth’s nearest neighbor, complementing missions like NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI+. With advanced instruments like the Venus Emissivity Mapper, EnVision will provide high-resolution data crucial for comparative planetology and astrobiology research.

## Notable For  
- First dedicated European mission to Venus in decades  
- Equipped with the Venus Emissivity Mapper for detailed surface imaging  
- Utilizes the powerful Ariane 64 launch vehicle  
- Designed to operate in the extreme thermal and atmospheric conditions of Venus  
- Part of a coordinated global effort to revisit and reassess Venus science  

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
EnVision is a proposed planetary probe and orbiter mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is designed to conduct comprehensive observations of Venus, including mapping the surface, studying volcanic activity, and probing the subsurface using radar and other remote-sensing techniques.

The mission was selected as part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision program and is currently in development. Once launched, it will enter orbit around Venus and begin collecting scientific data to address fundamental questions about planetary formation and evolution.

### Objectives  
- Investigate the current state and geological history of Venus’s surface  
- Study the interaction between the atmosphere and the solid planet  
- Assess whether Venus has active volcanism or tectonic processes  
- Explore the possibility of past habitability through atmospheric analysis  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 64  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-4 (Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana)  
- **Power System**: Two deployable solar arrays  
- **Primary Scientific Payload**: Venus Emissivity Mapper  

### Timeline  
- **Proposed Launch Window**: November 2031 (no earlier than)  
- **Mission Duration**: Planned for several years following orbital insertion  

### Funding and Oversight  
- **Funder**: European Space Agency (ESA)  
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA)  

### Related Entities  
- **Classifications**: Orbiter, planetary probe, proposed entity  
- **Related Missions**: VERITAS (NASA), DAVINCI+ (NASA)  
- **Wikipedia Languages Supported**: Arabic, Catalan, Czech, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Italian  

For more information, visit the official mission page: [https://www.esa.int/envision](https://www.esa.int/envision)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/envision.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Envision)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=ENVISION)