Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Following the resounding success of ISRO's Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions, the organisation is now embarking on an even more ambitious endeavour. Notably, the groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 mission has set the stage for ISRO's foray into the challenging realms of the Sun and Venus, signifying a historic moment in India's space exploration.
ISRO is currently in the advanced stages of preparing the Shukrayaan-1 spacecraft, representing a significant leap forward in India's space exploration endeavour. This mission is poised to be a testament to ISRO's growing prowess in space research.
Shukrayaan-1's primary objective is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It aims to delve deep below the searing surface of Venus, unlocking the mysteries concealed beneath the planet's formidable sulfuric acid clouds. The mission promises groundbreaking discoveries about our neighbouring world, from its geological composition to its hidden subterranean realms.
The spacecraft is set for launch in December 2024, strategically timed to leverage a unique alignment of Earth and Venus. This celestial alignment will minimises the need for excessive propellant usage, making it an opportune moment for this ambitious mission. Remarkably, the next favourable launch opportunity of this magnitude is not expected until 2031.
Shukrayaan-1's scope of investigation is both comprehensive and profound. Firstly, it will to explore the planet's surface layers and sub-surface structure, unraveling the intricate geological processes that have sculpted Venus's exterior. Secondly, the mission aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of Venus's atmospheric chemistry, providing a window into the dynamic movements and enigmatic transformations of its atmosphere. Lastly, Shukrayaan-1 will try to decipher the complex interplay between solar energy and Venus, shedding light on how this energy affects the charged particle layer enveloping the planet.
Shukrayaan-1 is poised to carry a formidable scientific payload weighing approximately 100 kg, ensuring a robust capacity for data collection and analysis. With an available power supply of 500 watts, the spacecraft will be well-equipped to meet the demands of its multifaceted mission objectives.
In its initial stage, the orbiter's elliptical orbit around Venus will be meticulously planned. This orbit will place the spacecraft in close proximity to Venus, with a periapsis (closest point) of 500 km and an apoapsis (farthest point) of 60,000 km. This configuration will allow the spacecraft to have a diverse range of observations and data collection.
Sweden's active participation in the mission adds an international dimension to Shukrayaan-1. Sweden will contribute essential scientific instruments, enhancing the mission's capabilities and fostering collaboration in the realm of space exploration.
Shukrayaan-1 is groundbreaking in every sense. It will be the first mission to conduct sub-surface radar investigations on Venus, promising penetration to depths of several hundred meters. Furthermore, the spacecraft will boast a versatile instrument suite capable of analysing Venus's atmosphere using various wavelengths, providing insights into the evolutionary paths of Earth-like planets and the atmospheric conditions that shape them.
The mission will confront formidable challenges, given Venus's dense atmosphere and extreme surface conditions. To surmount these obstacles, Shukrayaan-1 will rely on cutting-edge technology, including high-resolution cameras, advanced sensors, and instruments designed to penetrate the planet's thick cloud cover. This mission will represent a significant stride in humanity's quest to uncover the mysteries of Venus and expand our understanding of the cosmos.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently unveiled a series of ambitious space exploration projects during a lecture hosted by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). These initiatives include missions to study dying stars, exo-planets with potentially habitable atmospheres, a comprehensive exploration of Venus, satellites focused on monitoring space climate and its effects on Earth, and the conceptualisation of a Mars landing mission. These endeavours signify ISRO's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space research and exploration.