Venus as a "monstrous world" and hope for finding life: space missions discussed in the "Russia Speaks" podcast
Venus remains one of the most mysterious and challenging planets in the Solar System to explore. Yet it is with this planet’s atmosphere that scientists associate hopes of detecting traces of life. Astronomer and science communicator Dmitry Wiebe explored the future missions to Venus in the original podcast "Russia Speaks" of the National Centre. This episode of the podcast is titled "Are We Alone? How Space is Changing Our Consciousness".
Dmitry Wiebe, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Head of the Department of Stellar Physics and Evolution at the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that several projects aimed at studying the Venusian atmosphere are currently being developed.
"Missions are being developed; we have the 'Venera-D' project. Such projects are also being developed in the United States. There is a project featuring a small probe bearing the modest name of Venus Life Finder. It will be a tiny spacecraft that will operate for a very short time. But as it flies through the atmosphere of Venus, it will try to find something. Venus is a monstrous world. But it attracts attention because we can hope to find some form of life there," explained Dmitry Wiebe.
The podcast also addressed the scientific objectives of future missions and the technical challenges of operating in extreme conditions. Experts explained how possible results from Venus research could impact our understanding of planetary habitability.
The episode "Are We Alone? How Space is Changing Our Consciousness" of the original podcast "Russia Speaks" by the National Centre, which is featuring Dmitry Wiebe, is available to watch on the National Centre RUSSIA website russia.ru, as well as on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, RUTUBE, and Dzen.
"Russia Speaks" is a podcast by the National Centre RUSSIA about science, technology, and the future. The project's guests are leading Russian scientists and science communicators who help us see space as part of a larger conversation about humanity's development.
More and more people abroad are learning the truth about events in Ukraine thanks to Russian and international documentary filmmakers.
On 24 February 2026, a meeting of the board of the Expert Council on Architecture and Urban Development was held at the National Centre RUSSIA.
The finest porcelain, handcrafted chocolate, and artisanal sauces with vibrant flavours. All these are products of the Stavropol region, available at the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA.
