Current Context : ISRO gets government approval for Venus mission “Shukrayaan”
- Mission Shukrayaan or Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) by Department of Space will explore the atmosphere and surface of Venus, and its interaction with sun.
About VOM:
Launch: ISRO is set to launch it in 2028.
Goals:
- Study Venus’ atmosphere, including dust and airglow.
- Map the planet’s surface topography.
- Analyze the solar X-ray spectrum near Venus.
- Understand greenhouse effects and planetary evolution.
Technological Demonstration:
- Test aero-braking(using Venus’ atmosphere to slow the spacecraft).
- Evaluate thermal management techniques for harsh conditions.
Payloads:
- 16 Indian payloads.
- Collaborative payloads: VISWAS (Indian-international), RAVI (Indian-international), VIRAL (international).
Past Venus Missions:
- USA: Mariner 2 (1962), Magellan.
- Europe: Venus Express (ESA).
- Japan: Akatsuki.
Future Venus Missions:
- NASA: DAVINCI, VERITAS.
- ESA: EnVision.
- Private/Collaborative: Venus Life Finder (Rocket Lab and MIT).