ISRO's Next Big Thing: Exploring Venus, the Hottest Planet in the Solar System
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has ambitious plans for the future of space exploration. After the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, ISRO is now gearing up for its next mission: Shukrayaan-1, a probe to study the planet Venus.
Why Venus?
Venus is often called Earth’s twin sister, as they are similar in size, mass, and composition. However, Venus has a very different environment, with a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide, sulfuric acid clouds, and a surface temperature of about 460°C. Venus also rotates in the opposite direction of most planets, and has a very slow rotation period of 243 Earth days.
Venus is one of the least explored planets in the solar system, with only a few missions from the US, Soviet Union, Europe, and Japan. ISRO aims to fill this gap by launching Shukrayaan-1, which will be India’s first mission to Venus.
What is Shukrayaan-1?
Shukrayaan-1 is a proposed orbiter mission that will study the atmosphere, surface, and sub-surface of Venus. The mission was approved by the government in 2018, and is expected to launch in 2025. The orbiter will carry 12 scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, plasma analyzers, and a radar altimeter. The orbiter will also carry a balloon experiment that will float in the Venusian atmosphere and measure its properties.
Shukrayaan-1 will have a highly elliptical orbit around Venus, with a periapsis (closest point) of 500 km and an apoapsis (farthest point) of 60,000 km. The mission will last for at least four years, and will provide valuable data on the evolution and dynamics of Venus.
What are the objectives of Shukrayaan-1?
Shukrayaan-1 has several scientific objectives, such as:
- To study the structure, composition, chemistry, dynamics, and variability of the Venusian atmosphere.
- To understand the interaction of the solar wind with the Venusian ionosphere and its influence on the escape processes of atmospheric constituents.
- To map the surface and sub-surface features of Venus using radar and infrared imaging.
- To investigate the geological history and volcanic activity of Venus.
- To explore the possibility of water and organic molecules on Venus.
How will Shukrayaan-1 benefit India?
Shukrayaan-1 will not only enhance India’s reputation as a space-faring nation, but also contribute to the global understanding of Venus. The mission will also provide opportunities for international collaboration, as several foreign agencies have expressed interest in participating in Shukrayaan-1. Moreover, Shukrayaan-1 will inspire young Indians to pursue careers in science and technology, and foster a culture of innovation and curiosity.
Shukrayaan-1 is a testament to ISRO’s vision and capability in space exploration. The mission will showcase India’s scientific prowess and technological advancement in the field of planetary science. Shukrayaan-1 will also pave the way for future missions to other planets and asteroids. ISRO is indeed setting its sights high with Shukrayaan-1.
