Amid widespread celebration of Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has disclosed plans for an upcoming solar mission.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath revealed that a mission named ‘Aditya’ is currently in development and anticipated to launch in the first week of September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also hinted at forthcoming missions to explore the Sun and Venus following the moon landing.
Furthermore, Somanath outlined additional missions, including one planned for the end of September or October, to showcase the crew module and crew escape capabilities. This would be followed by a series of test missions, ultimately leading to India’s first manned mission to space, the Gaganyaan, projected for launch by 2025.
India has made significant strides in space exploration, notably becoming the first Asian nation to achieve Martian orbit in 2014. The country is gearing up for a three-day crewed mission into Earth’s orbit in the near future. Collaborations with Japan for a lunar probe mission by 2025 and a planned orbital mission to Venus within two years underscore India’s growing presence in the global space arena.
The ‘Vikram’ lander recently landed on the lunar South Pole after a 40-day journey through space, marking a significant achievement. Shortly after, the ‘Pragyaan’ rover disembarked from the landing module, commencing its exploration of the uncharted lunar southern region.
Over the course of its two-week lifespan, the six-wheeled, solar-powered rover will traverse this relatively unexplored area, transmitting valuable scientific data and images.
ISRO’s chief also mentioned that two instruments on the rover and three on the lander have been activated sequentially after the landing. These instruments are poised to study the moon’s mineral composition, its atmosphere, and seismic activities, further advancing our understanding of Earth’s celestial neighbor.
ISRO’s ongoing successes in space exploration have propelled India into the ranks of prominent spacefaring nations. The organization’s remarkable achievements have not only expanded our knowledge of the Moon and Mars but are also setting the stage for ambitious missions to explore the Sun, Venus, and beyond.
The upcoming ‘Aditya’ mission to study the Sun is of particular significance. It aims to provide invaluable insights into the behavior and dynamics of our nearest star. Understanding the Sun is crucial for several reasons, including predicting space weather that can impact our technology-dependent lives on Earth. Solar missions like ‘Aditya’ are pivotal in this regard, as they help unravel the mysteries of the Sun’s complex activities.
ISRO’s vision extends beyond our solar system. The announcement of an orbital mission to Venus is a testament to India’s commitment to exploring the broader cosmos. Venus is often referred to as Earth’s “sister planet” due to its similar size and proximity to the Sun, but its extreme conditions, with scorching temperatures and a corrosive atmosphere, present unique challenges for exploration.
ISRO’s mission to Venus holds the promise of expanding our understanding of planetary evolution and enhancing our knowledge of terrestrial planets beyond Earth.
Moreover, the successful deployment of ‘Vikram’ and ‘Pragyaan’ on the lunar South Pole underscores ISRO’s technological prowess. These missions, coupled with India’s future lunar explorations in collaboration with Japan, contribute to the growing body of lunar knowledge.
The Moon has long fascinated scientists and space agencies due to its potential for scientific discovery, resource utilization, and future human colonization. ISRO’s continued lunar endeavors further our collective understanding of our celestial neighbor.
India’s upcoming manned mission, Gaganyaan, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s space exploration journey. If achieved by 2025, it will make India one of the few countries capable of sending humans to space. This endeavor will mark a giant leap forward and open new horizons for scientific research, technological advancements, and international cooperation.
ISRO’s commitment to space exploration showcases India’s dedication to advancing science and technology for the betterment of humanity. As ISRO embarks on these ambitious missions, it not only propels India’s standing in the global space community but also contributes to the collective knowledge and aspirations of humanity’s journey beyond our planet.
