This illustration created by Akihiko Ike [Getty Images]

This illustration created by Akihiko Ikeshita received from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on December 7, 2010 shows an artists impression of The Planet-C Venus Climate Orbiter, nicknamed "Akatsuki" or "Dawn", orbitting Venus. JAXA said the probe was on course to enter the orbit of Venus. Japan's first space probe bound for Venus on December 7 was on course to enter the orbit of the planet that is similar in size and age to the Earth, the space agency said. AFP PHOTO / Akihiko Ikeshita / JAXA via JIJI PRESS (Photo credit should read Akihiko Ikeshita/AFP/Getty Images)

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