Cabinet approves Venus orbiter mission: ISRO set to explore secrets of Earth’s twin

PTC News Desk: In a landmark development for India’s space program, the Union Cabinet has approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). This pioneering initiative, led by the Department of Space, is set to advance India’s exploration of the solar system by sending a spacecraft to orbit Venus, Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor.

The mission has been allocated a budget of Rs 1,236 crore (approximately $149 million) and is scheduled to launch in March 2028. Out of this budget, Rs 824 crore will be dedicated to the development of the spacecraft. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will manage the spacecraft’s development and launch, employing its well-established project management expertise.

The primary goal of VOM is to deepen our understanding of Venus’s surface, subsurface, and atmospheric conditions, as well as the impact of solar activity on Venus’s atmosphere. Scientists hypothesise that Venus, once potentially similar to Earth in terms of habitability, has experienced significant changes over time. Investigating these transformations could offer crucial insights into the evolutionary paths of both Venus and Earth.

The mission is anticipated to produce significant scientific discoveries and address key questions about Venus. The data collected will be shared with the global scientific community, promoting collaborative research and enhancing our collective knowledge.

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In addition to its scientific ambitions, the VOM project is expected to yield considerable economic benefits. The mission will engage various industries in spacecraft and launch vehicle development, potentially creating numerous job opportunities and driving technological innovations with broader economic applications.

The mission will also set the stage for future planetary explorations, including missions with larger payloads and improved orbital insertion techniques. It will offer valuable training opportunities for students and academic institutions, contributing to advancements in space mission design and development.

The approval of the Venus Orbiter Mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, expanding its focus beyond the Moon and Mars. By embarking on this mission to Venus, India is positioning itself alongside an elite group of nations exploring the inner planets of our solar system, further solidifying its status as a key player in the global space arena.

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