India’s Bold Leap to Venus: After Conquering Moon and Mars, A New Era in Space Science Awaits
Union Cabinet Approves ISRO’s Venus Orbiter Mission
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the development of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), aligning with India’s ambitious space exploration goals beyond the moon and Mars. This mission marks a critical stride towards understanding Venus, our closest planetary neighbor, which shares formation conditions akin to Earth.
The VOM, to be executed by the Department of Space, will involve deploying a scientific spacecraft into Venus’ orbit. The mission aims to dissect the Venusian surface, subsurface, atmospheric phenomena, and solar influences comprehensively. Unraveling Venus’ transformation, once thought to be habitable and Earth-like, will shed light on planetary evolution, providing insights into the divergent paths of Venus and Earth.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will spearhead the spacecraft’s development and launch, adhering to its established project management and monitoring protocols. The mission is projected for completion in the launch window of March 2028. Data procured from the mission will be disseminated to the scientific community, fostering significant scientific advancements.
The Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs. 1236 crore for the VOM, with Rs 824 crore earmarked for the spacecraft’s development. This budget covers the creation and realization of the spacecraft, payloads, necessary technology, and global ground station support for navigation and network, as well as the launch vehicle costs.
The Venus mission promises substantial scientific and economic benefits. It is anticipated to generate considerable employment opportunities and technology innovations across various sectors. Additionally, the mission will involve numerous Indian industries in the development phase and provide hands-on training opportunities for students in design, development, testing, and calibration.
Moreover, the VOM will pave the way for future Indian planetary missions with larger payloads and refined orbit insertion techniques. By offering novel scientific data through its advanced instruments, the mission will present new opportunities for India’s scientific community.
This endeavor signifies a monumental step in India’s space exploration saga, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in space science and technology.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/after-moon-and-mars-india-sights-science-goals-on-venus-1095172-2024-09-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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