While American scientists do their best to explore our red neighbour, Russian researchers appear to be ready to conquer another planet – Mercury.

      When we say “conquer, we mean “scientifically conquer”, because Russian space explorers plan to send a research mission to the smallest of our neighbours by 2019.

      The “Mercury-P” research mission will study effects of solar radiation on processes, taking place on the planet’s surface. The research space vehicle will be launched by means of “Soyuz” carrier rocket and will maneuver near Venus, pass by the Sun and enter Mercury’s gravitation field.

      Source: Independent News Agency