Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S Somanath, reportedly emphasised the necessity for warning with Gaganyaan, India’s first human area mission, regardless of it being prepared for launch by the top of the 12 months. At a press briefing, Somanath referred to the problems confronted by NASA’s Boeing Starliner spacecraft, warning of potential dangers. The Starliner, launched on June 5 with astronauts on board, was as a consequence of return on September 7, however the astronauts have been stranded as a consequence of technical challenges. NASA astronauts Sunitha Williams and Butch Wilmore will now return in February 2024 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon.
Exploring New Frontiers: Venus Mission
ISRO’s formidable Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) was additionally highlighted by Somanath as a key undertaking accredited by the Union Cabinet, based on a Business Standard report. With a price range of Rs. 1,236 crore, this mission is predicted to launch in March 2028.
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is at the moment underneath improvement, will take seven years to finish, so the Venus mission will use the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) as a substitute.
Challenges of Venus Exploration
Though Venus is Earth’s closest planetary neighbour, it presents extra challenges than Mars as a consequence of its excessive atmospheric circumstances. S Somanath advised the publication that Venus’ environment has 100 occasions extra stress than Earth’s, making it a extra complicated goal regardless of being nearer. Russia, China, and Japan are additionally planning missions to Venus by 2030, making India’s mission a key milestone within the race for area exploration.
Growing Interest in Space Startups
The ISRO Chairman additionally expressed pleasure in regards to the rising curiosity in India’s area sector, significantly the contributions from startups. Somanath acknowledged the spectacular developments in satellite tv for pc expertise from personal corporations, noting a significant shift within the area business panorama.