Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has finalised the launch window for its first dedicated mission to Venus, 'Shukrayaan-1', for March 2028. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed the timeline, stating that the mission is currently in the detailed design phase.
"Venus offers a unique opportunity to study planetary evolution and extreme greenhouse effects. Shukrayaan will carry cutting-edge instruments." – ISRO Chairman.
Mission objectives
- Atmospheric study: Investigate Venusian atmosphere composition, clouds, and dynamics.
- Surface mapping: High-resolution mapping using SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar).
- Volcanic activity: Search for active volcanism and hotspot signatures.
- Solar wind interaction: Study exosphere and solar wind interaction.
International collaboration
ISRO has shortlisted five international payloads from NASA, ESA, CNES, and other space agencies. These include a radar from NASA, an atmospheric probe from France, and a particle detector from Sweden. This makes Shukrayaan-1 a truly global mission.
Launch vehicle and trajectory
The mission will be launched aboard the LVM-3 (GSLV Mk III) from Sriharikota. Using a sling-shot trajectory, the spacecraft will take approximately 4-5 months to reach Venus orbit. The optimal launch window (when Earth and Venus are aligned) occurs roughly every 19 months.
Science payloads in focus
Indian payloads
ISRO's own payloads include: VARTISS (high-resolution radar), VASP (spectrometer for atmospheric studies), and a thermal camera. They will map the surface despite thick clouds and study volcanic hotspots.
International contributions
NASA's 'VIRAL' (radar) will penetrate clouds. France's 'INSTRU' will analyse cloud particles. Sweden's 'PICAM' will study ions. Collaborative data sharing is planned.
Significance for India
Shukrayaan-1 will make India the fourth nation to send an orbiter to Venus, after the USSR, USA, and ESA. It demonstrates India's growing capability in interplanetary missions and strengthens its position in global space science.