Spacecraft for Venus contact studies. Heritage and prospects (to the eightieth anniversary of Lavochkin Association and to the fiftieth anniversary of "VENERA-4" spacecraft)
The first reconnaissance spacecraft that reached Venus and descended in Venus atmosphere was «VENERA-4», developed 50 years ago, in 1967, at the beginning of Lavochkin Association space activities. Design & development decisions, taken under direction of chief designer G. Babakin, enabled a breakthrough in the studies revealing the secrets of «Earth 's sister» and «Morning star». Intensive and systematic Venus contact studies using landers and atmospheric balloons gave the grounding for future exploration missions. «VEGA» spacecraft is one of the most successful programs of the enterprise. Development of new advanced spacecraft for Venus long-term studies shall be performed on the basis of previous developments experience and heritage. After more than thirty years of time break, it is necessary to analyze the earlier adopted decisions, to consider the opportunities and critical issues before development of new technologies at up-to-date level. Currently research activities are on-going to establish a preliminary design of prospective and innovative «VENERA-D»program. The article overviews the international cooperation issues which can considerably facilitate the program promotion.