separating from its flight platform on december 23, 1978 the lander entered the venus atmosphere two days later on december 25 at 11.2 km/s. during the descent, it employed aerodynamic braking followed by parachute braking and ending with atmospheric braking. it made a soft landing on the surface at 06:24 moscow time (03:24 ut) on 25 december after a descent time of approximately 1 hour. the touchdown speed was 7 to 8 m/s. information was transmitted to the flight platform for retransmittal to earth until it moved out of range 95 minutes after touchdown. landing coordinates are .