Venus Express (IMAGE) European Space Agency Caption Venus Express has two solar cell panels per wing comprising alternating rows of standard triple junction solar cells as well as highly reflective mirrors to reduce the operating temperatures. There is twice as much sunlight in Venusian orbit as there is in Earth orbit, plus additional thermal input from the Venusian surface and atmosphere -- 75 percent of sunlight being reflected up from it. In a worst case, this results in worst case to an equivalent of the thermal input from 3.5 suns. Credit ESA Usage Restrictions For non-commercial use only. For free use only with full credit line indicated. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.