\<COLOUR 1> MISSION: \<COLOUR 0> Venus atmosphere study
\<COLOUR 1> ENTERED ATMOSPHERE: \<COLOUR 0> December 9, 1978
\<COLOUR 1> COUNTRY: \<COLOUR 0> USA
\<COLOUR 1> COMMENTS: \<COLOUR 0> As it nears the planet, the spacecraft releases one large and three small entry probes, which parachute slowly down and report atmospheric conditions; main craft returns data before it burns up.