India’s Maiden Mission to Venus: The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)
India is set to embark on its first mission to Venus with the launch of the ₹1,236-crore Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), scheduled for March 2028. Recently approved by the Union Cabinet, the mission will involve a 112-day journey to reach the enigmatic planet.
Mission Timeline
The targeted launch date for VOM is March 29, 2028, with an expected arrival on Venus by July 19, 2028. The mission will be launched using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), which has been designated as the candidate launch vehicle for this ambitious project.
Mission Details
ISRO has outlined the mission parameters, stating that the spacecraft will be placed in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO) characterized by dimensions of 170 km x 36,000 km, an inclination of 21.5 degrees, and an Argument of Perigee (AOP) of 178 degrees. The minimum energy requirement for the 2028 launch opportunity will facilitate the spacecraft's placement in an elliptical orbit of 500 x 60,000 km around Venus.
Following the cruise phase, the Venus Orbit Injection (VOI) will position the spacecraft in an orbit of 500 km x 60,000 km. ISRO plans to employ aerobraking techniques over a period of six to eight months after VOI to achieve the desired low-altitude Science Orbit of 200 x 600 km, with an inclination of approximately 90 degrees. This orbit will enable the mission to conduct scientific studies for five years.
Scientific Objectives and Payloads
The VOM will carry a total of 19 payloads: 16 are Indian, two are collaborative efforts between Indian and international teams, and one is an international payload. These payloads, recommended by an expert review committee, are designed to explore various aspects of Venus, including its atmosphere, surface, and interactions with the Sun.
Key scientific objectives include:
Additionally, the mission will serve as a platform for technology demonstration, allowing ISRO to test aerobraking and thermal management techniques in the harsh environment of Venus.
In conclusion, the Venus Orbiter Mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space exploration efforts, expanding its capabilities and ambitions beyond Earth. As ISRO prepares for this groundbreaking mission, the scientific insights gained from VOM will enhance our understanding of Venus and contribute to global knowledge about planetary systems.
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