By R Anil Kumar
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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission to Venus with its Shukrayaan (Venus) mission, which will carry a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload
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This mission aims to map the surface of Venus, providing unprecedented insights into the planet’s hidden features
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ISRO received approval for its first Venus mission, Shukrayaan. The probe will undertake a detailed investigation of Venus, including its surface, atmosphere and geological structure
Bengaluru, December 5. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO’s) Shukrayaan mission, approved by the Indian government, is set to explore Venus and will feature advanced scientific instruments, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
This mission marks India’s first dedicated effort to study Venus, aiming to enhance our understanding of its atmosphere, surface, and geological activity.
The SAR instrument is designed to penetrate the thick atmosphere of Venus, which has long obscured its surface from detailed study. This advanced radar technology will measure even the slightest changes and deformations on the Venusian surface, offering a high-resolution map that could reveal significant geological and atmospheric phenomena.
The Shukrayaan mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in November, represents a major step forward in India’s planetary exploration efforts.
What is the Venus Orbiter (SHUKRAYAAN) Mission?
Shukrayaan is scheduled to investigate Venus which is believed to be similar to Earth in many aspects. The investigation will reveal the surface of the planet, its atmosphere and geological structure. To be inserted in orbit around Venus, the spacecraft will attempt to gather essential information about the planet’s weather patterns, potential geological activities, and atmospheric elements. The spacecraft will utilise advanced scientific equipment for these observations.
The mission’s primary objectives include studying the dense atmosphere of Venus and its surface topography. To achieve these goals, ISRO plans to use the atmosphere of Venus itself to slow down the spacecraft, a technique known as aerobraking, which will allow the orbiter to achieve a lower orbit without expending excessive fuel.
ISRO scientist Nigar Shaji highlighted the mission’s significance during a recent lecture, noting that the SAR payload will enable mapping of the surface and subsurface of Venus with up to 40 cm resolution. This mission follows in the footsteps of NASA’s Magellan spacecraft, which conducted similar mapping of Venus in the early 1990s.
The data gathered by Shukrayaan is expected to provide valuable insights into the atmospheric chemistry of Venus, the interaction between solar radiation and the planet’s atmosphere, and the geological history of Earth’s “sister planet.” These findings could also aid in the study of distant terrestrial exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The Shukrayaan mission is part of ISRO’s broader planetary exploration program, which includes missions to the Moon and Mars. By leveraging advanced technologies and international collaborations, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of our solar system.
The Shukrayaan mission is scheduled for launch in 2028, with potential backup dates between 2026 and 2031 depending on optimal planetary alignment and other logistical considerations.
The mission aims to:
- Investigate the atmospheric conditions of Venus, focusing on its dense carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere and sulfuric acid clouds.
- Map the surface features and analyze geological processes using SAR technology.
- Study potential volcanic activity and tectonics beneath the planet’s surface.
The spacecraft will carry several sophisticated instruments:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): This high-resolution radar will enable mapping of Venus’s surface through its thick cloud cover, collecting data day and night regardless of weather conditions.
- Infrared and Ultraviolet Imaging Devices: These tools will assist in examining atmospheric composition and dynamics.
- Ground-Penetrating Radar: This will help investigate subsurface structures and geological activity.
Shukrayaan is expected to provide critical insights into:
- The evolution of Earth-like planets.
- The dynamics of extreme climates and potential geological activities on Venus.
- The interaction between solar winds and the planet’s ionosphere.
- This mission not only positions India among a select group of nations exploring Venus but also enhances ISRO’s capabilities in deep-space exploration, following successful missions to the Moon and Mars.
