After Moon and Mars, India Sights Science, Goals on Venus With Rs 1236 Crore Budget

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the development of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw . This mission aims to deepen understanding of Venus's atmosphere and geology while generating extensive scientific data about the planet's thick atmosphere.

Objectives of the Mission

The Venus Orbiter Mission seeks to place a scientific spacecraft in orbit around Venus to explore its surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes, and the influence of solar activity on its environment. This mission is crucial for investigating the transformation of Venus, which is believed to have once had conditions suitable for habitability, similar to Earth.

ISRO 's Role and Project Management

The Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) will lead the spacecraft's development and launch. The project will be managed through established practices at ISRO , ensuring effective monitoring and oversight. Data generated from the mission will be shared with the scientific community through existing dissemination channels.

Timeline and Funding

The mission is slated for accomplishment in March 2028, with a total budget of Rs. 1,236 crore. Out of this, Rs. 824 crore will be allocated for the spacecraft's development, including payloads, global ground station support, and the launch vehicle.

Implications for Future Missions

The Venus Orbiter Mission will pave the way for India's future planetary missions, enabling larger payloads and more effective orbit insertion strategies. Significant involvement from the Indian industry is anticipated, along with opportunities for academic institutions to participate in pre-launch activities such as design, development, and testing.