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

Despite its hellish' environment, scientists argue there are good reasons to focus on Earth's sister'

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.