Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chairman S Somanath has reportedly stressed the need for caution with Gaganyaan, India’s first human space mission, despite it being set for launch by the end of the year. At a press briefing, Somanath addressed the problems facing NASA’s Boeing Starliner spacecraft, warning of potential risks. Starliner, launched on June 5 with astronauts on board, was supposed to return on September 7, but the astronauts were stranded due to technical challenges. NASA astronauts Sunitha Williams and Butch Wilmore will now return in February 2024 aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon.
Exploring New Frontiers: The Venus Mission
ISRO’s ambitious Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) was also highlighted by Somanath as a key project approved by the Union government, according to a Business Standard report. With a budget of Rs. 1236 million, and this mission is expected to start in March 2028.
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), currently under development, will take seven years to complete, so the Venus mission will use the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) instead.
Challenges of Venus exploration
Although Venus is Earth’s closest planetary neighbor, it presents more challenges than Mars due to its extreme atmospheric conditions. S Somanath told the publication that Venus’ atmosphere has 100 times the pressure of Earth’s, making it a more difficult target despite being closer. Russia, China and Japan are also planning missions to Venus by 2030, making India’s mission a key milestone in the race for space exploration.
Growing interest in space startups
The ISRO chairman also expressed excitement over the growing interest in India’s space sector, particularly the contribution of startups. Somanath acknowledged the impressive advances in satellite technology by private companies, highlighting a major shift in the space industry landscape.
