Japanese probe sent to study atmosphere of Venus, has a critical malfunction as it entered orbit.

The Japanese Probe, Akatsuki, arrived at the planet Venus after a journey of more than six months, but had a malfunction when it entered into orbit around the neighboring planet. 

After the probe fired it’s thrusters to move itself into orbit around Venus, it went into an expected blackout period which was supposed to be 22 minutes. However, the blackout period lasted over an hour and a half. Once communications resumed contact with the probe, officials stated that they believe Akatsuki is not communicating optimally and that it is not in the proper orbit. 

Akatsuki was launched in May of 2010. The probe would study that planet’s atmosphere, and would use instruments such as an infrared camera to confirm lightning in the clouds, and volcanic activity on the surface. The probe is to be in an elliptical orbit around Venus. Meaning that it’s orbit would take it 300 km to 80,000 km away from the surface. 

The Akatsuki probe prior to launch. Pointed out is the thruster which injected the probe into orbit.

An artist's depiction of Akatsuki (or "Dawn") in orbit around Venus.