A mathematical model of the surface of Venus could show how the hot, dry surface has reacted to changes in temperature throughout the planet's history. Patterns of cracks were found on Venus' 500-degree surface by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the early 1990s. This week's major scheduled activity for NASA's Galileo spacecraft is a propulsive maneuver on Friday. The Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module has been mounted to the international space station with its 9,993 pounds of equipment and experiments for the U.S. Destiny laboratory. For the latest spaceflight news and features visit our sister-site, Spaceflight Now .
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