The Magellan mission to Venus, launched by NASA in 1989, was highly significant for Venusian exploration. It was the first mission dedicated to mapping the surface of Venus in high resolution. Utilizing radar imaging, Magellan was able to penetrate Venus's dense cloud cover and provide detailed maps of about 98% of the planet's surface. These maps revealed a complex landscape with volcanoes, mountain ranges, and evidence of past and possibly present volcanic activity. The mission also provided insights into Venus's gravity field, which helped scientists understand its internal structure. Magellan's findings dramatically improved our understanding of Venus and its geological processes, making it a landmark mission in planetary science.