Russia to send research rover to Venus in 2016

MOSCOW. Nov 26 (Interfax-AVN) - The Angara rocket that Russia is designing may propel the Venera-D space rover to Venus, the Lavochkin Research and Production Center said.

"We are considering the possible use of a heavy rocket of the Proton or Angara type, which will make the project more efficient," the center said.

The proposal was made at Thursday's meeting of Venera-D general designers.

Russia plans to launch the rover to study Venus's atmosphere and surface in 2016.