The mangled remains of probes sent to Venus may still be there

image via New Scientist

May 10, 2026, 11:00 AM

• •Study suggests the Venusian environment may preserve probes far better than once thought.
• •The Pioneer Venus Day Probe, made mostly of titanium and aluminum, may have mostly retained its shape.
• •Researchers found that most of the probes should still be visible on the surface.
• •Space archaeology provides insight into technological innovation of the past and can help us chart future space missions.

Space archaeologists are challenging the long-held belief that Venus's harsh environment quickly destroys probes, suggesting that at least seven of the 20 probes sent to Venus may still be intact. A recent study, using data from NASA's GEER lab, recreated Venus's environment to analyze the Pioneer Venus Day Probe, indicating that its titanium and aluminum components could have withstood the conditions. The research factored in Venus's surface conditions, geological activity, and the probes' landing sites to determine the likelihood of their survival. This finding extends the scope of space archaeology and offers insights into past technological innovations while informing future space missions, especially those planned for Venus, like NASA's DAVINCI mission.

Read original article