Those of you who know me well, will know that I am a huge fan of the Soviet Space programme, especially when so many firsts were achieved by people like Sergey Pavlovich Korolyov. Well, when I was looking back at moments in history earlier today...sad I know, but it's something I do from time to time, I was reminded of the Venera programme. What on earth was all that about I hear you ask...and more importantly, do I need to know about any of this old Soviet stuff?? In truth you probably don't. However, I think its always good to store some of this nonsense in your head for the odd pub quiz.
16th November, 1965 : The Soviet Union launches the Venera 3 space probe from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The mission was to land on the surface of the planet Venus. The mission was successful when Venera 3 crash-landed on Venus on 1st March 1966 becoming the first spacecraft to land on another planet's surface.
