A Star 24 solid rocket motor was integrated into the spacecraft to provide the thrust to enter orbit around Venus.

[5] From Venus orbit insertion to July 1980, periapsis was held between 142 and 253 kilometres (88 and 157 mi) (at 17 degrees north latitude) to facilitate radar and ionospheric measurements.

In 1991, the Radar Mapper was reactivated to investigate previously inaccessible southern portions of the planet, in conjunction with the recently arrived Magellan spacecraft.

In May 1992, Pioneer Venus began the final phase of its mission, in which the periapsis was held between 150 and 250 kilometres (93 and 155 mi), until the spacecraft's propellant was exhausted, after which the orbit decayed naturally.

[2] The Pioneer Venus Orbiter carried 17 experiments with a total mass of 45 kilograms (99 lb):[6] The spacecraft conducted radar altimetry observations allowing the first global topographic map of the Venusian surface to be constructed.