To study the atmosphere, aeronomy and science of the surface of the hottest terrestrial planet in the Solar System, The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to send a spacecraft to orbit Venus for feasibility and aeronomy purposes. The spacecraft is called Shukrayaan. This terminology comes from “Shukra”, a Sanskrit word representing the planet Venus in Indian Astronomy and Hindu Astrology.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, the Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, has said that both projects are being conceptualised.
The project will commence in the year 2024. The very next year after the launch of the spacecraft-Shukrayaan, Earth (Prithvi) and Venus (Shukra) positions will be aligned in such a manner that a minute amount of fuel will be required for the spacecraft to enter the orbit of Venus.
The satellite will be launched from GSLV Mark-II, a heavy satellite launch vehicle used frequently by ISRO in its Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan Missions.
This mission has formidable challenges: Venus has crushing air pressure at its surface, which is 90 times more than Earth’s, and its atmosphere is highly toxic and filled with Sulphuric Acid that causes a powerful greenhouse effect.
Its heat and temperature surpass that of Mercury, the first and nearest planet to the Sun. The 475 Degrees Celsius temperature is more than enough to melt lead. Thirdly, there is an optimum requirement for High-Resolution Equipment to penetrate the swirling gaseous clouds in the atmosphere.
Apart from India, several other nations like Russia and Japan are planning to send spacecraft into an orbit of Venus. The United States of America (USA) is a leading nation. NASA will play a vital role in the US. In the Shukrayaan Mission, Sweden will also test one of its scientific space instruments.
NASA, such as VERITAS, DAVINCI and Envision, dominate future missions to Venus.
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