Engines fired on probe approaching Venus

Scientists fired the main engines of a European spacecraft early today, slowing it enough to enter into orbit around Venus.

The probe is on a mission to probe the mysteries of the dense, hot atmosphere enveloping Earth’s nearest planetary neighbour.

Mission controllers from the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, Germany, burst into applause after igniting the main engine of the Venus Express probe as scheduled, starting a 51-minute burn to slow the craft enough to allow the planet’s gravity to pull it into orbit.