Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed comprehensive plans for its upcoming second mission to Mars, marking a significant step in India’s space exploration endeavours, said a report by India Today
ISRO is ambitiously aiming to join the elite club of countries that have successfully landed spacecraft on the Red Planet. With this mission, India seeks to become the third nation on Earth to achieve this remarkable feat, following in the footsteps of the United States and China.
During a recent presentation held on National Technology Day at the esteemed Space Application Centre, ISRO provided valuable insights into its ambitious plans for Mars exploration. The event served as a platform to showcase the technological prowess and visionary approach of India’s space agency.
ISRO’s Mars mission will feature a rover and helicopter combination akin to NASA’s Perseverance rover, highlighting India’s commitment to advancing space exploration technologies. This innovative approach underscores ISRO’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
In its quest for precision landing on the Martian surface, ISRO is actively developing a supersonic parachute and sky crane system. Inspired by NASA’s successful deployment mechanisms, these technologies are crucial for ensuring the safe and accurate landing of the rover.
The Mars mission will be propelled into space aboard the heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), a testament to ISRO’s strategic selection of launch vehicles to ensure the mission’s success. The choice of LVM3 underscores ISRO’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for interplanetary missions.
ISRO’s engineers are diligently working on the design and development of specialized technology tailored to the Indian rover’s unique requirements. This includes refining the sky crane system and other mission-critical components to withstand the rigors of Mars’ challenging terrain.
A key highlight of ISRO’s Mars mission is the conceptualization and design of a fully functional helicopter capable of operating in the thin Martian atmosphere. Equipped with advanced instruments such as Marble, the helicopter will enable aerial exploration, providing invaluable insights into Mars’ atmospheric dynamics.
Recognizing the importance of seamless communication between Mars and Earth, ISRO plans to deploy a dedicated relay communication satellite ahead of the mission launch. This satellite will serve as a vital link, ensuring uninterrupted communication despite the challenges posed by signal transmission delays due to varying distances between the two planets.