The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently held a national science meeting focused on the upcoming Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), scheduled for launch in 2028. The event took place on October 29 and 30 at ISRO”s headquarters in Bengaluru, bringing together around 150 scientists, engineers, and PhD students.
The meeting aimed to ensure that the investment of approximately Rs 1,236 crore, approved by the Union Cabinet last year, yields maximum scientific returns regarding the understanding of Venus, often referred to as Earth”s sister planet.
During the discussions, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted the importance of conveying the significance of space missions to the Indian public. He stressed the need for citizens to recognize the value of space exploration and India”s growing role in this global endeavor. Former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar also participated in the discussions, noting that Venus represents the next logical step following India”s successful missions to the Moon and Mars.
The focus of the meeting included an in-depth examination of the scientific payloads intended for the VOM. These payloads will facilitate a better understanding of the Venusian atmosphere, including its clouds, aerosols, ionosphere, and surface properties. ISRO plans to investigate how solar activity interacts with the atmosphere of Venus, which is characterized by extreme conditions due to a runaway greenhouse gas effect.
More than 19 scientific payloads are planned for deployment on the Venus Orbiter Mission, with an atmospheric probe also under consideration. Although no spacecraft has managed to survive long on Venus”s surface due to its harsh conditions, a probe designed to descend through the atmosphere could collect valuable data about its various layers.
This initiative underscores ISRO”s commitment to fostering collaboration between its teams and academic institutions to enhance planetary exploration efforts. As preparations continue, the scientific community is optimistic about the insights that the Venus Orbiter Mission will provide into both Venus and the broader implications for understanding Earth”s environment.
