India’s Venus orbiter mission approved: ISRO to explore Earth’s twin planet by 2028

India is set to expand its space exploration efforts beyond the Moon and Mars, as the Union Cabinet approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) on Wednesday, 18 September. With a budget allocation of Rs 1,236 crore, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will now focus on launching a scientific mission to study Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin.

Out of the approved budget, Rs 824 crore will be dedicated to the development of the spacecraft itself. This includes the realisation of specific payloads, technological components, and the spacecraft’s integration. Additionally, the funds will cover the global ground station support necessary for navigation and network, as well as the cost of the launch vehicle that will propel the mission into space.

ISRO, the agency behind India’s successful Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter missions, will oversee the development and eventual launch of the Venus mission. According to the Department of Space, the mission aims to enhance our understanding of the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes, and how solar activity affects Venus’ atmosphere. This ambitious mission is projected to launch during the available window of opportunity in March 2028.

The exploration of Venus holds particular significance for planetary scientists, as it shares many similarities with Earth in terms of size, composition, and proximity to the Sun. However, its thick, toxic atmosphere and extreme surface temperatures have made it one of the least understood planets in our solar system. The Venus Orbiter Mission is expected to address key scientific questions and provide insights into the planet’s atmospheric and geological mysteries.

The mission is expected to deliver substantial scientific outcomes, advancing humanity’s knowledge of planetary evolution and the role of solar influence on planetary atmospheres. It also aims to contribute to international efforts to study Venus, joining missions from space agencies such as NASA and ESA that have targeted the planet.

The development and realisation of the spacecraft and the launch vehicle will involve collaborations with various industries, significantly boosting employment opportunities. Additionally, ISRO anticipates that the technological advancements gained from this mission will have broader applications, providing spin-offs to other sectors of the Indian economy.

The approval of the Venus Orbiter Mission marks a new chapter in India’s space exploration journey, reflecting the nation’s growing expertise in interplanetary missions. With the Venus mission on the horizon, India is set to solidify its position as a key player in the global space community, furthering its exploration beyond the Moon and Mars into the mysteries of Venus.