Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Akatsuki and IKAROS on the launch pad

Akatsuki and IKAROS on the launch pad
Akatsuki and IKAROS on the launch pad Taken on May 17, 2010, about 24 hours before the planned launch of Akatsuki and IKAROS toward Venus. They are stacked aboard an H-IIA rocket. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.