I WONDER - Where Can Space Probes Be Used?

Probes are essential for exploring parts of the solar system that are currently inaccessible to humans, such as Venus. The Magellan probe mapped most of Venus's surface using radar in 1990, while the Venus Express mission by the European Space Agency analyzed the planet's atmosphere from 2006 to 2014. Upcoming missions aim to investigate Venus's potential to have supported life and to prepare for future interstellar probes.

What is the primary purpose of using probes in space exploration?

• To communicate with extraterrestrial life

• To collect samples from the Moon

• To study areas in the solar system inaccessible to humans

• To transport humans to other planets

Which probe mapped 98% of Venus's surface using radar?

• Magellan

• Voyager 1

• Venus Express

• Pioneer 10

During which years did the Venus Express study Venus's atmosphere?

• 2000 to 2005

• 2015 to 2020

• 1990 to 1998

• 2006 to 2014

What is one of the goals of future missions to Venus?

• To establish a human colony

• To determine if Venus once supported life

• To test new spacecraft engines

• To mine for resources

How might future Venus missions benefit interstellar exploration?

• By developing faster spacecraft

• By practicing probe deployment for other star systems

• By creating new communication technologies

• By discovering new planets