Alok Sagar Gautam, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Srinagar, Uttarakhand, has been selected for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Venus Orbiter Mission, also known as Shukrayaan-1. This mission marks India”s first dedicated exploration of Venus, representing a significant milestone in the nation”s planetary science endeavors.
The upcoming two-day national meeting at ISRO”s headquarters in Bengaluru is scheduled for October 29 and 30. During this event, Gautam will contribute to discussions focused on an in-depth examination of Venus”s surface and subsurface structures, atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena, and the solar impacts on the planet.
The Venus Orbiter Mission aims to execute a series of critical scientific experiments, which include high-resolution radar imaging, surface reorganization analysis, cloud structure examination, and gas dynamics studies. This mission is anticipated to enhance understanding of the evolutionary differences between Earth and Venus, thereby advancing India”s capabilities in interplanetary research.
During the meeting, significant topics will revolve around data analysis techniques and opportunities for academic collaboration. Gautam is set to present his research and engage in a panel discussion addressing “Modelling the Venusian Atmosphere, Retrieval Techniques, Image Processing and Simulation, and the Importance of Analysis of Archival Atmospheric Data.”
Gautam”s previous experience includes participation in numerous national and international scientific missions, notably as a member of the 28th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. His research has also involved field studies on black carbon and various aerosols in the Satopanth Glacier, along with contributions to programs such as STORM and CAIPEEX, supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Gautam stated, “It is a matter of pride for me to be associated with the Venus Orbiter Mission. This will provide university students with an opportunity to contribute to the field of space science and planetary research.”
