ISRO’s Shukrayaan Set for Venus Voyage After Govt. Approval

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made several groundbreaking announcements regarding its future missions and technological advancements. These initiatives, shared by Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO, include plans for Venus exploration, advancements in lunar and Mars missions, the development of India’s space station, and upgrades to weather and communication systems. These missions signify India’s strides in space exploration and its aspirations for deeper interplanetary studies.

Key Highlights

Shukrayaan (Venus Mission)

• Approved by the Indian government for launch in 2028.
• Aims to explore Venus’s atmosphere and surface.

Chandrayaan 4 (Lunar Mission)

• Proposed as a follow-up to Chandrayaan 3.
• Joint collaboration between India and Japan.
• Will focus on landing at the Moon’s south pole at 90 degrees south latitude.
• Features a 350 kg rover, 12 times heavier than Chandrayaan 3’s rover.
• Tentative launch timeline: 2030 (pending approval).

Mars Mission

• Aims to place a satellite in Mars’ orbit and attempt a surface landing.

Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight Program)

• Unmanned mission scheduled within two years.

• Followed by a manned spaceflight.

India’s Space Station

• Approved by the Indian government.
• Smaller than the International Space Station (ISS).
• Comprising five modules, the first to be launched in 2028.
• Fully operational by 2035, serving as a transit facility for Moon missions by 2040.

Advanced Weather and Communication Systems

• Plans to enhance satellite technology for meteorology and oceanography.
• Includes new sensors and satellites under the INSAT 4 series.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	ISRO gets government approval for Venus mission “Shukrayaan”
Mission/Initiative
Shukrayaan (Venus Mission) Approved	A satellite to explore Venus’s atmosphere and surface. Timeline – 2028
Chandrayaan 4	Joint India-Japan mission; aims for a precise lunar south pole landing with a 350 kg rover. Timeline – 2030 (tentative)
Mars Mission	Includes placing a satellite in Mars’ orbit and attempting a surface landing. Timeline – TBD
Gaganyaan	Human spaceflight program; unmanned launch followed by manned mission. Timeline – 2026
India’s Space Station	Government-approved; smaller than ISS, with five modules; will function as a transit facility for Moon missions. Timeline – 2028–2035
Weather & Communication	Advanced sensors and satellites under the INSAT 4 series for meteorology and oceanography, enhancing weather forecasts and communication systems. Timeline – Ongoing