India's ISRO Plans to Launch Mars Orbiter Mission 3 in 2024
India's Space Exploration Journey
India's space exploration program has made significant strides in recent years, with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2013.
The MOM mission, also known as Mangalyaan, made India the first Asian country to reach Mars' orbit and the first country to do so in its maiden attempt.
Upcoming Mars Orbiter Mission 3
Mission Overview
ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, plans to launch the Mars Orbiter Mission 3 (MOM 3) in 2024. The mission aims to continue India's exploration of Mars and build upon the success of MOM 1.
The MOM 3 spacecraft will carry a payload of scientific instruments designed to study the Martian atmosphere, surface, and mineralogy.
Scientific Objectives
The primary scientific objectives of MOM 3 are to:
- Characterize the Martian atmosphere and its variability.
- Study the Martian surface mineralogy and identify potential resources.
- Investigate the Martian ionosphere and its response to solar activity.
Technological Advancements
MOM 3 will incorporate advanced technologies developed by ISRO, including:
- A more powerful propulsion system for enhanced maneuverability.
- Improved navigation and guidance systems for precise Mars orbit insertion.
- Upgraded scientific instruments for enhanced data collection.
Collaboration with NASA
ISRO and NASA have a long-standing collaboration in space exploration. For MOM 3, NASA is providing support in the form of:
- Technical expertise in mission planning and execution.
- Access to deep space tracking facilities.
- Data sharing and analysis.
Significance of MOM 3
The MOM 3 mission is a significant milestone for India's space program. Its success will further enhance India's reputation as a major player in space exploration.
Additionally, MOM 3 is expected to contribute valuable scientific data that will advance our understanding of Mars and its potential for future human exploration.
