General Studies Paper-3
Context: The Indian government has approved ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite mission, named Shukrayaan.
Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiting Satellite)
- Launch Details: Set to launch in March 2028.
- Estimated cost of the mission is Rs 1,236 crore.
- LVM-3 launch vehicle has been identified to place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO)
- Objectives:
- Atmospheric Studies: Analyze the composition of Venus’s thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Study the extreme greenhouse effect and its impact on the planet’s climate.
- Surface Mapping: Utilize advanced radar technology to map the planet’s surface, revealing hidden geological features.
- Ionospheric Studies: Explore the upper atmosphere of Venus, including the ionosphere, to understand its interaction with solar radiation and the solar wind.
- Scientific Payload:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): To penetrate the thick clouds and map the surface features.
- Infrared Spectrometer: To study the composition of the atmosphere and surface.
- Ultraviolet Spectrometer: To analyze the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
Challenges of the Mission
- Extreme Environment: Venus’s harsh environment, characterized by high temperatures and acidic atmosphere, poses significant challenges to spacecraft design and operation.
- Technical Complexity: The mission requires precise navigation and control to achieve its scientific objectives.
- Data Transmission: Reliable communication between the spacecraft and Earth over long distances is essential.