Magellan (Venus Radar Mapper) launched in 1989

 

The Magellan spacecraft, aka Venus Radar Mapper, was launched May 4, 1989 from the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the first probe to be launched from the Space Shuttle and the fourth successful NASA mission to Venus.  It ended an eleven-year dry spell for NASA interplanetary probes.  Magellan reached Venus August 7, 1990 and began mapping on September 15. 

 

From January to September 1992, Magellan began collecting stereo imagery data which allowed scientists to recreate the Venusian surface in 3-D models, like Mount Mons above.

 

Magellan space craft in Atlantis shuttle bay.