ISRO Announces Target Date for Launch of Venus Orbiter Mission — March 2028

 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced its target date for the launch of the Venus Orbiter Mission, slated for March 2028. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of Venus, the second planet from the Sun, which is often referred to as Earth’s “sister planet” due to its similar size and proximity.

The Venus Orbiter Mission will investigate the planet’s atmosphere, surface composition, and geological history, offering crucial insights into its unique climate and potential for habitability. Equipped with advanced scientific instruments, the spacecraft will analyze the thick, toxic atmosphere of Venus, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid, which presents a stark contrast to Earth’s environment.

ISRO’s decision to target March 2028 aligns with the optimal launch window for reaching Venus, which occurs approximately every 19 months. This mission is part of ISRO’s broader ambitions in planetary exploration, following the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014, which made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit.

As ISRO gears up for this ambitious venture, scientists and space enthusiasts alike are eager to learn more about our neighboring planet, which has long intrigued researchers due to its extreme conditions and potential for past geological activity. The successful execution of the Venus Orbiter Mission could pave the way for future explorations and deepen our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.