Magellan: a mission to map Venus

Summary form only given. It was pointed out that not until Magellan has there been sufficient resolution to begin defining Venusian surface evolution processes. The Magellan Mission will cover at least 70% of the surface with resolution as good as 120 m. or an order of magnitude better than the best previous results. The mission provides an excellent example of economic and technical tradeoffs, involving radar system design, spacecraft design, mission design, and operational complexity.<>