MOM Mission Approval
On August 3, 2012, the Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, officially approved the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), often referred to as Mangalyaan. This approval paved the way for India's ambitious journey to the Red Planet, conceived as a technology demonstrator mission.
Launch of Mangalyaan
On November 5, 2013, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C25) successfully launched Mangalyaan from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. The spacecraft embarked on a 298-day journey to Mars, marking a significant milestone in India's space program.
Mars Orbit Insertion
On September 24, 2014, after a meticulously planned cruise phase, Mangalyaan successfully entered Mars orbit. This historic achievement made ISRO the fourth space agency in the world to reach Mars, the first Asian nation to do so, and the first country to succeed on its maiden attempt, all at a remarkably low cost.
Scientific Objectives & Instruments
Mangalyaan carried five key scientific instruments: Mars Color Camera (MCC), Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), and Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP). Its primary objectives included studying the Martian surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and the Martian atmosphere, especially the search for methane.
Key Discoveries & Legacy
During its operational life, MOM provided valuable data and stunning full-disk images of Mars, including those of its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. The mission demonstrated India's capability to design, launch, and operate an interplanetary mission, inspiring a new generation and showcasing cost-effective space exploration to the world.
Beyond Mangalyaan: Future Missions
Building on the success of MOM, ISRO has ambitious plans for future interplanetary missions, including a potential Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM-2). India's expanding space program, with missions like Chandrayaan (Lunar missions) and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight), reinforces its position as a major player in global space exploration.