Japanese Space Agency Loses Contact With Venus Spacecraft Akatsuki

The Japanese space agency announced that it lost contact with the Akatsuki, the sole Venus spacecraft that is active in the planet's orbit.

According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Akatsuki's contact was lost last April due to an "extended period of low attitude stability control mode."

JAXA Attempts to Reconnect With Akatsuki

The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)reported that the agency is still making efforts to reestablish communication with the spacecraft. The Venus Climate Orbiter, better known as Akatsuki, was launched into space in 2010.

Since then, the spacecraft has been studying the dynamics of Venus such as the weather patterns, cloud physics, and the surface conditions of the planet. The spacecraft initially failed to enter Venus' orbit due to an engine failure but was revived in 2015.

"We will inform you about future plans once they are fixed. Thank you for your warm support," the Akatsuki team shared. The spacecraft must have a stable orientation to point its antenna and communicate properly again with Earth.

Akatsuki Discovers Unexpected Observations on Venus

Over the years, the spacecraft has successfully collected science data from the mysterious planet of Venus. For instance, Akatsuki provided detailed information on the super-rotation phenomenon which explained the faster rotation of the planet's atmosphere.

The spacecraft also discovered the existence of gravity waves and thermal tides on the planet which affected Venus' surface. Akatsuki also sent images of the planet through infrared imaging, giving the scientists a better understanding of the planet's situation.

JAXA engineers will continue to rescue and attempt to reconnect with the spacecraft. Regardless of the outcome, NASA and other space agencies are already working to send another mission to study Venus.