Last updated: 21 may, 2010 - 14:38 GMT
Japan launches Venus probe
Japan has launched a rocket containing both a Venus orbiter and a solar-powered space probe.
This artist's impression shows how the Ikaros solar sail might look in space
Soon after blasting off from southern Japan, the rocket deployed a satellite called Akatsuki, or Dawn in English, which will reach orbit around Venus in about six months.
The same rocket also unloaded Ikaros, a probe propelled by a solar sail which will keep accelerating it as it passes Venus and goes on to the far side of the Sun.
John Zarnecki is a professor of space science at the UK's Open University.
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First broadcast 21 May 2010
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