U2268

U2268 is a designation used in various contexts, most commonly in the field of astronomy and space exploration. It refers to a specific object or mission cataloged under this identifier. In the case of space missions, U2268 is associated with the Soviet Union’s early space program, particularly the Venera series of probes designed to explore Venus.

The Venera program was a series of unmanned space missions conducted by the Soviet Union between 1961 and 1984. U2268 specifically corresponds to the Venera 11 probe, launched on September 9, 1978. This mission was part of the Soviet Union’s efforts to gather data about Venus’s atmosphere, surface conditions, and potential for life. Venera 11 successfully entered Venus’s orbit and deployed a descent probe, which landed on the planet’s surface on December 1, 1978. Despite some technical issues, it transmitted valuable scientific data, including atmospheric measurements and images, before its systems were overwhelmed by the extreme conditions on Venus.

The designation "U2268" originates from the Soviet spaceflight numbering system, where "U" stood for the upper-stage rocket used in the launch vehicle, and the numerical suffix identified the specific mission or object. This system was used to track spacecraft and scientific instruments throughout the Soviet space program. Venera 11, along with its sister probe Venera 12, contributed significantly to the understanding of Venus’s hostile environment, characterized by crushing atmospheric pressure and scorching temperatures.