Target Venus not Mars for first crewed mission to another planet, experts say

Venus has a surface hot enough to melt lead and clouds of sulphuric acid. Photograph: Nasa/Reuters

With a surface hot enough to melt lead, crushing atmospheric pressure and clouds of sulphuric acid, Venus might not sound like the most enticing destination for human exploration.

But a group of experts are advocating that our other nearest neighbour, rather than Mars, should be the initial target for a crewed mission to another planet.