Centre greenlights ISRO's Shukrayaan: Key features of the Venus Orbiter Mission

With a budget of Rs 1,236 crore, Shukrayaan is poised to provide significant insights into Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received approval from the Centre government for its ambitious Venus Orbiting Satellite mission, Shukrayaan, scheduled for launch in 2028.

Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO, shared the development during a recent media interaction, revealing details of the mission along with future lunar exploration plans. “The Indian government has recently approved our Venus Orbiting Satellite — Shukrayaan… It will be launched in 2028. Additionally, the concept for Chandrayaan 4 has been proposed as a follow-up to Chandrayaan 3, aiming to land on the Moon and return with soil and rock samples,” Desai said.

Shukrayaan: The Mission to Venus

The Shukrayaan mission will be propelled by ISRO’s powerful LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket, with liftoff slated for March 29, 2028, and arrival at Venus on July 19, 2028. The spacecraft will carry advanced scientific instruments to study Venus’ atmosphere, surface, and geological features.

Key objectives of the mission include exploring the planet's carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, mapping surface features with high resolution, studying cloud structures, and assessing water vapour levels. Cutting-edge tools like synthetic aperture radar, infrared and ultraviolet cameras, and sensors will also assist in examining likely volcanic activity and the planet’s plasma environment.

The mission is a collaborative effort involving international contributions from countries like Russia, Sweden, France, and Germany. Furthermore, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) will supply the Venusian Neutrals Analyzer (VNA) to study solar wind interactions with Venus' atmosphere.

With a budget of Rs 1,236 crore, Shukrayaan is poised to provide significant insights into Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin.

Chandrayaan 4: A Leap in Lunar Exploration 

Desai, during the press meet, also announced plans for Chandrayaan 4, an advanced mission aimed at returning samples from the Moon's south pole. This proposed joint mission between India and Japan aims to land at the Moon's south pole at 90 degrees latitude, carrying a 350 kg rover, substantially heavier than its predecessor.

While the project is awaiting full governmental approval, Desai expressed optimism about its execution by 2030, marking another significant milestone in India’s lunar exploration endeavors.

Advancing Weather and Communication Technologies 

In addition to interplanetary missions, ISRO is focused on enhancing its meteorological and communication capabilities. Discussions are ongoing about launching advanced satellites under the INSAT 4 series, which will include state-of-the-art sensors for improved weather forecasting and satellite communication. These efforts aim to position ISRO among global leaders in meteorology and oceanography.

With these upcoming missions and advancements, ISRO continues to solidify its role as a key player in global space exploration, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation.