National Desk, 19th September: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), also known as Shukrayaan-1, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey ¹. This ambitious project aims to study Venus, Earth’s closest planetary neighbor, and unlock its secrets.
Why Venus?
Venus, once believed to be habitable and similar to Earth, offers a unique opportunity to understand how planetary environments can evolve differently ¹. By exploring Venus, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into the transformation of the planet and its implications for Earth’s evolution.
The Shukrayaan-1 mission will focus on:
- Surface and Subsurface Study: Investigating Venus’ surface and subsurface processes, including active volcanic hotspots and lava flows ²
- Atmospheric Analysis: Studying the structure, composition, and dynamics of Venus’ atmosphere ²
- Solar Wind Interaction: Examining the interaction between the solar wind and Venus’ ionosphere ²
The spacecraft will be equipped with advanced instruments, including:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar: To map Venus’ surface ³
- Infrared Spectrometer: To analyze the planet’s atmosphere ³
- Venusian Neutrals Analyzer: To study the interaction between the solar wind and Venus’ atmosphere ²
The mission is expected to launch in March 2028, with ISRO overseeing the development and launch of the spacecraft ¹. The project will be managed and monitored through established practices at ISRO, with significant involvement from Indian industries and academic institutions.
The total approved budget for the VOM is Rs 1,236 crore, with Rs 824 crore allocated for the spacecraft’s development ¹. This mission is expected to generate employment opportunities, boost technological innovation, and position India as a global player in space exploration.
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