Venus, the second planet from the Sun, is often called Earth’s twin because of its similar size, mass and gravity. However, Venus is also very different from Earth in many ways. It has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds, which trap heat and create a greenhouse effect. The surface temperature of Venus is around 460°C, hot enough to melt lead. The atmospheric pressure on Venus is about 100 times that of Earth, equivalent to being 1 km deep in the ocean. Venus also rotates very slowly, taking 243 Earth days to complete one day-night cycle. Despite these harsh conditions, Venus is a fascinating world that may hold clues to the origin and evolution of life in the solar system.
India, a rising space power, has set its sights on exploring Venus with its first orbiter mission, unofficially named Shukrayaan 1. Shukrayaan, which means “Venus craft” in Sanskrit, is a project of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the national space agency of India. ISRO has successfully launched several missions to the Moon and Mars, such as Chandrayaan 1, Chandrayaan 2 and Mangalyaan, and is now aiming to expand its horizons to Venus.
Objectives and Payloads
The main objective of Shukrayaan 1 is to conduct a comprehensive study of Venus, its surface, atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. The mission will also investigate the interaction of Venus with the solar wind and cosmic rays, and the possible presence of volcanic activity and lightning on the planet. Shukrayaan 1 will carry 12 scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, radars, plasma analyzers and a radio science experiment. Some of these instruments are being developed by ISRO, while others are being provided by international collaborators from France, Germany, Sweden, Russia and the US.
Some of the key payloads of Shukrayaan 1 are:
SARA-V:
A Sub-keV Atom Reflecting Analyzer for Venus, which will measure the low-energy neutral atoms and ions escaping from the upper atmosphere of Venus. This will help understand the atmospheric loss processes and the evolution of the planet’s climate. SARA-V is a joint instrument of ISRO and the Swedish Institute of Space Physics.
VENUS:
A Venus Emissivity Mapper, which will map the surface temperature and emissivity of Venus using infrared wavelengths. This will help determine the mineralogy and geology of the planet, as well as identify potential volcanic hotspots and lava flows. VENUS is a joint instrument of ISRO and the German Aerospace Center.
SARAL:
A Synthetic Aperture Radar for Venus, which will use radar waves to penetrate the thick clouds and image the surface features of Venus. This will help reveal the topography, morphology and tectonics of the planet, as well as detect possible water ice deposits in the polar regions. SARAL is a joint instrument of ISRO and the French National Centre for Space Studies.
VEMCam:
A Venus Monitoring Camera, which will capture visible and ultraviolet images of the planet’s cloud cover and dynamics. This will help understand the atmospheric circulation, winds, temperature and chemistry of Venus. VEMCam is a joint instrument of ISRO and the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Launch and Orbit
Shukrayaan 1 is expected to be launched in 2024, after being delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The mission will use a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II), a three-stage rocket capable of launching payloads up to 2.5 tons into geostationary orbit. The launch site will be the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
After launch, Shukrayaan 1 will take about six months to reach Venus, using a combination of gravity assist maneuvers and orbital corrections. The spacecraft will then enter a highly elliptical orbit around Venus, with a periapsis (closest point) of about 500 km and an apoapsis (farthest point) of about 60,000 km. The orbital period will be about 24 hours, which will allow the spacecraft to observe different regions and phases of the planet. The mission is designed to last for at least four years, during which the spacecraft will perform various scientific observations and experiments.
Significance and Challenges
Shukrayaan 1 is a significant mission for India, as it will demonstrate its technological capabilities and scientific expertise in exploring a new and challenging destination. The mission will also contribute to the global understanding of Venus, which is still a mysterious and intriguing planet. Shukrayaan 1 will join other international missions to Venus, such as the European Space Agency’s Venus Express, Japan’s Akatsuki and NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which have conducted or are conducting flybys, orbiters and landers to the planet. Shukrayaan 1 will also pave the way for future Indian missions to Venus, such as a possible lander or rover.
However, Shukrayaan 1 also faces many challenges, such as the harsh environment of Venus, the complex orbital dynamics, the communication delays and the limited power and data resources. The mission will require careful planning, design, testing and operation to ensure its success and safety. The mission will also depend on the availability and reliability of the launch vehicle, the ground stations and the international cooperation. Shukrayaan 1 is a bold and ambitious mission, but also a risky and uncertain one.
Shukrayaan 1 is India’s first mission to Venus, which aims to explore the surface and atmosphere of the planet, and unravel its secrets and mysteries. The mission will carry 12 scientific instruments, some of which are being developed by ISRO, while others are being provided by international partners. The mission is expected to be launched in 2024, using a GSLV Mk II rocket, and will enter a highly elliptical orbit around Venus, lasting for at least four years. The mission will face many challenges, but will also offer many opportunities and benefits for India and the world. Shukrayaan 1 is a testament to India’s space aspirations and achievements, and a tribute to its spirit of discovery and innovation.
Image Source: Freepik
