The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is currently exploring various possibilities for a second mission to Mars, aiming for a more ambitious and scientifically significant endeavor, according to a senior ISRO scientist. M Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, revealed that the proposed mission is still in the study phase and the agency is assessing different options to ensure its success.
"If you are talking about a new mission to Mars, then that is still in the study phase. We are looking at various options available to us for making a mission happen. It has to be significantly bigger or with more scientific outcome with respect to Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). We are still in the study phase and we are configuring it," Sankaran told PTI..
India achieved a major milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of its first Mars Orbiter Mission, known as Mangalyaan, on November 5, 2013. The spacecraft commenced orbiting the red planet on September 24, 2014. However, communication with the orbiter was lost in October 2022, marking the conclusion of the Mangalyaan-1 mission.
Regarding the progress of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO's lunar spacecraft, Sankaran revealed that it has already arrived at the launch port and preparations are underway at Sriharikota. He stated, "The preparation is going on in Sriharikota. We do expect that sometime in July the launch will take place." Learning from the experiences of Chandrayaan-2, Sankaran assured that meticulous checks and precautions have been implemented to ensure a successful mission.
Addressing the highly anticipated Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space, Sankaran highlighted the intensive nature of the project, with numerous development activities currently underway. He mentioned, "Many developments and many tests are happening, which is not visible to the public. Lots of works are going on. We do expect that there will be something which will be visible to people during this year."
As ISRO weighs its options for a future Mars mission and continues its preparations for Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan, the scientific community and space enthusiasts eagerly await India's next remarkable achievements in space exploration.
