Syllabus :GS 3/Space
In News
- The Indian government has approved ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite mission, named Shukrayaan.
Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiting Satellite)
- Launch Details: Set to launch in March 2028.
- Estimated cost of the mission is Rs 1,236 crore.
- LVM-3 launch vehicle has been identified to place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO)
- Objectives:
- Atmospheric Studies: Analyze the composition of Venus’s thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Study the extreme greenhouse effect and its impact on the planet’s climate.
- Surface Mapping: Utilize advanced radar technology to map the planet’s surface, revealing hidden geological features.
- Ionospheric Studies: Explore the upper atmosphere of Venus, including the ionosphere, to understand its interaction with solar radiation and the solar wind.
- Scientific Payload:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): To penetrate the thick clouds and map the surface features.
- Infrared Spectrometer: To study the composition of the atmosphere and surface.
- Ultraviolet Spectrometer: To analyze the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
Challenges of the Mission
- Extreme Environment: Venus’s harsh environment, characterized by high temperatures and acidic atmosphere, poses significant challenges to spacecraft design and operation.
- Technical Complexity: The mission requires precise navigation and control to achieve its scientific objectives.
- Data Transmission: Reliable communication between the spacecraft and Earth over long distances is essential.
| Facts about Venus – Venus, the second planet from the Sun, is often called Earth’s twin but is a harsh and hellish world. – Venus’s atmosphere is incredibly dense, composed primarily of carbon dioxide. This dense atmosphere traps heat from the Sun, creating a runaway greenhouse effect. – Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system and is named after the goddess of love. – Venus rotates on its axis in the opposite direction to most other planets, a phenomenon known as retrograde rotation. This means that the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east on Venus. – Several space missions, including Mariner 2, Venera, and Magellan, have studied Venus, providing valuable insights into its atmosphere, surface, and geology. – Future missions, such as NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI+, aim to further explore Venus. |
Source: DD News
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