India’s space agency, ISRO, has received government approval to move forward with its ambitious Venus mission, Shukrayaan, slated for launch in 2028. This significant step marks the nation’s formal entry into the exploration of Venus, with a goal to study its atmosphere, geological features, and weather patterns.
Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO, shared, "The Indian government has recently given a nod to our Venus Orbiting Satellite -- Shukrayaan. It will be launched in 2028." The mission will employ advanced instruments such as synthetic aperture radar and ultraviolet imaging devices to study the dense clouds of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid enveloping Venus. A major focus will be understanding the planet’s geological activity, including any signs of active volcanoes. While life on Venus’s surface is considered impossible, scientists remain curious about its upper atmosphere, where pressure conditions are similar to Earth’s.
The idea for Shukrayaan was first proposed by ISRO in 2012, as the agency reached out to research institutions for ideas. Through this mission, India joins the global efforts to study Venus, often referred to as Earth’s "twin" due to its similar size and structure.
Chandrayaan 4: India’s Next Lunar Mission with Japan
Following the success of Chandrayaan 3, ISRO is planning a joint lunar mission, Chandrayaan 4, in partnership with Japan. Desai revealed, "Chandrayaan 4 will consist of two missions. India and Japan will be doing a joint mission where we will go to the tip of the Moon's south pole at 90 degrees south as compared to our last attempt of 69.3 degrees south. It will be a precise landing."
The mission will include a rover weighing 350 kilograms, much larger than Chandrayaan 3’s rover, enabling more detailed scientific exploration. If the government approves the mission, Desai said the mission could be executed by 2030. One of the mission’s highlights will be collecting lunar soil and rock samples and returning them to Earth, marking India’s first attempt at such a feat.
Expanding India’s Reach in Space with Mars Mission
ISRO’s ambitions don’t stop at the Moon. The agency’s Mars programme aims not only to orbit the Red Planet but also to land on its surface. Desai stated, "As a part of the Mars mission, we will not only put a satellite on the Mars orbit but we will also attempt to land on its surface." This mission builds on the success of Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, and reflects India’s growing expertise in interplanetary exploration.
Gaganyaan and India’s Space Station Plans
In the field of human spaceflight, ISRO is preparing for its Gaganyaan programme, with plans to launch an unmanned flight within the next two years. Desai confirmed, "Gaganyaan will be launched in the next two years. It will be an unmanned flight after which we will launch a manned flight."
Additionally, India is making strides in creating its own space station, with the first module expected to launch in 2028. "It will not be as big as the ISS but will have five modules. We will launch the first module in 2028, and India's space station will be ready by 2035," Desai said. The space station will serve as a hub for lunar missions, supporting Prime Minister Modi’s vision to send Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2040.
Advancing Meteorological Technology with INSAT 4
ISRO is also enhancing its meteorological and oceanographic capabilities through the INSAT 4 series of satellites. Desai shared, "We are having discussions on the new sensors and satellites which will be launched as a part of the INSAT 4 series." These new technologies will help bridge the gap in weather forecasting, enabling ISRO to provide more accurate predictions.
India’s space exploration journey has been marked by milestones like the launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite in 1975, and the successful Mangalyaan mission to Mars in 2014. With the Chandrayaan missions and Gaganyaan, ISRO continues to build its global reputation. These new missions reflect India’s commitment to advancing space technology for scientific discovery, economic growth, and global collaboration.
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