Science

NASA tests Venus probe imaging systems over Utah's ancient Lake Bonneville terrain

Engineers used Crater Island as a terrestrial analog to test camera and descent instruments for the upcoming DAVINCI mission.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 05:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

NASA researchers conducted descent tests over Crater Island, Utah, using the remnant geology of ancient Lake Bonneville as an analog for Venus.
The team successfully produced three-dimensional geological maps from helicopter-suspended infrared camera systems designed for the DAVINCI probe.
The tested instrumentation will eventually perform a 60-minute atmospheric descent and map the mountainous Alpha Regio region on Venus.

In June 2026, NASA engineers field-tested camera and instrument packages for the DAVINCI mission to Venus at Crater Island, Utah.[NASA News]
Images collected from a helicopter-suspended system were used to build 3D maps that matched existing geological data of the Utah test site.[NASA News]
The DAVINCI probe is designed to capture near-infrared imagery and analyze atmospheric chemistry during a 60-minute descent to Venus's Alpha Regio region.[NASA News]
Crater Island is part of the dried remnants of Lake Bonneville, an Ice Age lake formed roughly 55,000 years ago that receded to form modern salt flats and smaller lakes.[NASA News]