The flight platform acted as a data relay for the descent craft for 95 minutes until it flew out of range and returned its own measurements on interplanetary space.

The SIGNE 2 detectors were simultaneously flown on Venera 12 and Prognoz 7 to allow triangulation of gamma ray sources.

Each failed to return images when the lens covers did not separate after landing due to a design flaw.

A gas chromatograph was on board to measure the composition of the Venus atmosphere, as well as instruments to study scattered solar radiation.

Results reported included some evidence of lightning,[8] a high Ar36/Ar40 ratio, and the discovery of carbon monoxide at low altitudes.