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Source- This post on Union Cabinet approved four big space projects is based on the article “Union Cabinet approves Venus mission, Indian space station among 4 key Isro projects” published in Indian Express on 19th September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved four big space projects, including the next mission to the moon, a mission to the planet Venus, follow-ups to the ongoing Ganganyaan mission and the setting up of an Indian Space Station.
About Chandrayaan-4 Mission
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Chandrayaan-4 mission represents a significant milestone in India’s lunar exploration program. 2. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will lead the project and manage all aspects, including development, launch, and monitoring of the spacecraft. 3. The Chandrayaan-4 mission aligns with India’s broader space ambitions as part of Amrit Kaal, which envisions the establishment of a Bharatiya 5. 4. Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and an eventual human landing on the moon by 2040. |
| Objective | 1) To advance technology for lunar exploration 2) To achieve a successful moon landing, and 3) To demonstrate the capability to return to Earth with lunar samples, which will undergo further analysis in India. |
| Goal | 1) Achieve successful lunar landings 2) Positioning India among a select group of nations with advanced space technology for returning samples from celestial bodies. |
| Duration | It will be executed over a period of 36 months from the date of approval. |
| Key components of the Chandrayaan-4 mission | 1. Development of the spacecraft: This will focus on building a lunar lander and rover with enhanced capabilities. 2. External deep network: A dedicated communication system to ensure effective data transmission between Earth and the moon. 3. Two LVM3 launches: These are required to transport the spacecraft into lunar orbit. 4. Special design validation tests: These will ensure the spacecraft’s systems are robust and capable of the challenging task of lunar exploration and sample return. |
About Venus Orbiter Mission
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. It is India’s second planetary mission after the successful Mars Orbiter Mission in 2014. 2. The Venus mission is part of ISRO’s long-term strategy under its Vision 2047 plan, which aims to place India at the forefront of space exploration. |
| Launch by | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Aim | It aims to explore Venu to study various aspects of the planet’s surface and atmosphere. |
| Objective | 1. To study the surface features, dust and clouds, volcanism, atmosphere, and ionosphere of Venus. 2. The orbiter will also investigate the interaction between Venus and the Sun, providing insights into the planet’s dynamics and how it is influenced by solar radiation. |
| Timing | 1. The mission has been set for March 2028, when Venus and Earth will be at their closest approach. 2. This will minimize the energy required for the spacecraft to travel to Venus and will also make the mission more efficient in terms of both cost and technical challenges. |
| Significance | 1. The mission will enhance planetary science by deepening our understanding of Venus’s atmospheric composition and behavior. 2. The data from the orbiter could help answer important questions about the history of water on Venus, the presence of active volcanoes, and the mysterious super-rotating atmosphere that moves much faster than the planet’s surface. |
| Technology | The spacecraft will be equipped with advanced instruments designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus’s atmosphere and gather data across various spectrums. |
| Challenges | Some of the major challenges include the extreme temperature variations and the thick clouds of sulfuric acid that envelop the planet, which make surface observation difficult. |
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