The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 18, 2024, approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), named Shukrayaan-1, designed to explore the mysteries of Venus. After the success of its Moon and Mars missions, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) now shifts its focus to Venus, the planet often referred to as Earth's twin due to its similar size and mass, but vastly different environmental conditions.
ISRO Venus Orbiter Mission: What is Shukrayaan-1?
The name Shukrayaan-1 is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Shukra', meaning Venus, and 'Yaana', meaning craft. This mission, first conceived in 2012, marks India’s maiden effort to study Venus. Shukrayaan-1 aims to orbit Venus and investigate its thick, toxic atmosphere, study its surface, and explore the planet’s geological evolution. The mission is crucial in understanding how Venus, once thought to have Earth-like conditions, became a hostile environment with temperatures exceeding 450°C.
Shukrayaan-1 will carry advanced scientific instruments, including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to map the surface and an infrared spectrometer to analyze the Venusian atmosphere. One of the primary objectives is to unravel the history of Venus’s runaway greenhouse effect and provide insights into how planetary environments, like Earth and Venus, can evolve so differently.
The Venus Orbiter Mission is expected to launch in March 2028, with ISRO overseeing the spacecraft’s development and launch. The Union Cabinet has approved a total budget of Rs. 1,236 crore, out of which Rs. 824 crore will be allocated to the spacecraft’s development and its specific payloads.
This mission will not only advance India’s planetary exploration capabilities but also foster significant technological advancements. Indian industries will play a major role in building the spacecraft and launch vehicle, while academic institutions will contribute through design, development, and testing phases.
With Shukrayaan-1, India is set to unlock valuable scientific data about Venus, which will be shared with the global scientific community. The mission will create employment opportunities, boost technological innovation, and further position India as a global player in space exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Shukrayaan-1?
Shukrayaan-1 is ISRO’s first mission to Venus, officially named the Venus Orbiter Mission. The spacecraft is designed to orbit Venus and study its atmosphere, surface, and geological processes, aiming to understand the planet’s extreme conditions and how they differ from Earth.
2. When is Shukrayaan-1 or Venus Orbiter Mission expected to launch?
Shukrayaan-1 is scheduled for launch in March 2028, during an optimal launch window. This mission will mark a new chapter in India's planetary exploration after successful missions to the Moon and Mars.
3. Why is Venus important to study?
Venus, often called Earth's twin due to its similar size and mass, offers valuable insights into planetary evolution. Studying Venus helps scientists understand why it underwent a runaway greenhouse effect, transforming into a scorching, uninhabitable planet, and provides a comparison to Earth’s climate history and future.
4. What are the scientific objectives of Shukrayaan-1?
The primary objectives are to study Venus’s thick atmosphere, map its surface using a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and analyze its volcanic and geological activity. The mission aims to answer key questions about Venus’s past, including whether it once had conditions suitable for life.
5. How much will the Venus Orbiter Mission cost?
The total approved budget for the mission is Rs. 1,236 crore, with Rs. 824 crore allocated for the development of the spacecraft and its payloads. The mission is expected to generate valuable scientific data, benefiting both India and the global scientific community.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
