Stephen Saunders Biography

Magellan begins its first radar mapping cycle, imaging the cloud-hidden surface of Venus at far higher resolution than previous missions.

Magellan completes its first radar mapping cycle after imaging most of the Venusian surface.

Magellan mapping expands radar coverage to nearly the entire surface of Venus.

Magellan uses controlled passes through Venus's upper atmosphere to circularize its orbit in the first major planetary aerobraking experiment.

Magellan conducts a gravity-mapping campaign that helps scientists investigate the internal structure and tectonic history of Venus.

Magellan is deliberately lowered into Venus's atmosphere, ending a mission that mapped almost the entire planet by radar.