Vega 1, Soviet spacecraft to Venus and Halley's Comet, was launched December 15, 1984. Its twin Vega 2 was launched six days later. It reached Venus June 11, 1985, releasing its descent module two days prior. The landing module contained a surface lander and a balloon explorer.
Vega 1 made a gravitational assist using Venus's gravity to continue its mission to Halley's Comet. The first images of the comet were received March 4, 1986 and made its closest approach on March 6. Vega 1 sent images for the next two days. The last contact made with the spacecraft as it headed into deep space was January 1987.
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