Mission Shukrayan or Venus Orbiter Mission(VOM) by the Department of Space, will explore the atmosphere and surface of Venus, and its interaction with sun.
About VOM:
- Launch: ISRO is set to launch it in 2028.
- Key objectives of VOM:
- Examining dust in Venusian atmosphere, mapping its surface topography, studying the solar x- ray spectrum near Venus and analyzing Venusian airglow.
- To serve as technology demonstration for ISRO, testing aerobraking and thermal management techniques in harsh environments.
- Aero-braking is a technique that uses a planet's atmosphere to slow down a spacecraft and adjust its orbit.
- Payloads of Mission:
- Sixteen Indian payloads, two Indian and international collaborative payloads( VISWAS and RAVI), and one international payload(VIRAL) have been recommended.
Significance of mission:
- Scientific Exploration: Better understanding the evolution of the solar system as well as dynamics of the planetary atmosphere.
- Understanding Climate Change: Atmosphere of Venus is mainly composed of CO2 so studying its composition could shed light on greenhouse effect and other environmental issues.
- Others: Understanding Atmospheric composition, Earth’s evolution etc.
Challenges for mission:
- Extreme conditions: Extreme temperature and pressure can damage spacecraft components.
- Corrosive Atmosphere: Sulphuric acid clouds that dominate the Venusian surface can potentially corrode the components made of steel and titanium.
- Other Challenges: Harsh terrain, lack of sunlight for solar panels, technological challenges etc.
Missions To Venus
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