Shukrayaan: India's Upcoming Mission to Venus in 2028

Shukrayaan: ISRO's 2028 Mission to Explore Earth's Twin

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission to Venus, known as the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), scheduled for launch in March 2028. This pioneering endeavor aims to explore and understand the unique features of Earth's twin, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.

Mission Overview

The VOM is expected to take approximately 112 days to reach Venus. Once there, the mission will investigate various aspects of the planet, including its atmosphere, surface characteristics, and the interaction with solar winds. This ambitious project is a testament to India's growing capabilities in the field of space science.

Key Objectives of the Venus Orbiter Mission

The mission has several important objectives:

• Atmospheric Study: Analyzing the composition and dynamics of Venus's atmosphere.
• Surface Mapping: Creating high-resolution maps of the planet's surface.
• Solar Interaction: Investigating how Venus interacts with the solar wind.
• Airglow Analysis: Studying Venusian airglow to understand its atmospheric processes.
• Sub-surface Exploration: Exploring the characteristics beneath Venus's surface.

Payloads and Technology

The VOM will be equipped with 19 payloads, including:

• 16 Indian payloads
• 2 collaborative payloads
• 1 international payload

This diverse set of instruments will enhance the mission's ability to gather comprehensive data on Venus.

Significance of the Venus Orbiter Mission

The VOM holds immense significance for multiple reasons:

• Scientific Advancement: It will provide crucial data regarding Venus's evolution and its planetary characteristics, aiding in the broader understanding of planetary science.
• Technological Advancement: The mission will showcase India's growing capabilities in deep space exploration.
• International Collaboration: The inclusion of collaborative payloads encourages global scientific cooperation.
• National Pride: The VOM symbolizes India's commitment to advancing its space exploration agenda and scientific discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)?
Answer: The VOM is India's first mission to Venus, focusing on studying the planet's atmosphere, surface, and its interaction with solar winds.

Q2. When will VOM be launched?
Answer: The targeted launch for the Venus Orbiter Mission is set for March 2028.

Q3. How long will it take to reach Venus?
Answer: The journey to Venus is expected to last approximately 112 days after launch.

Q4. What is the budget for the VOM?
Answer: The budget allocated for the Venus Orbiter Mission is ₹1,236 crore.

Q5. What launch vehicle will be used for VOM?
Answer: The mission will utilize the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) for the spacecraft launch.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)?
A) To study Mars's soil composition
B) To explore Venus's atmosphere and surface
C) To map the moon's craters
D) To establish a colony on Venus
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When is the planned launch of the VOM?
A) March 2025
B) March 2026
C) March 2028
D) March 2030
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: How many payloads will the VOM carry?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 19
D) 25
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is the budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission?
A) ₹500 crore
B) ₹1,236 crore
C) ₹2,000 crore
D) ₹1,500 crore
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which launch vehicle will be utilized for the VOM?
A) PSLV
B) LVM-3
C) GSLV
D) Falcon 9
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What is one of the key objectives of the VOM?
A) Studying Earth’s magnetic field
B) Analyzing Venusian airglow
C) Mapping Jupiter's moons
D) Investigating Saturn's rings
Correct Answer: B