ISRO's Mars mission strategy unveiled: Helicopter, robotic car, and crane to navigate red planet | - Times of India

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (

ISRO

) has announced ambitious plans for its upcoming Mangalyaan-2 mission, aiming to propel India into the elite league of nations with successful spacecraft landings on Mars. This mission represents a significant leap forward in India's space exploration endeavours, following the footsteps of pioneering efforts by the United States and China.

ISRO Mars mission: Detailed mission strategy revealed

During a recent presentation at the Space Application Centre on National Technology Day, ISRO shared comprehensive insights into its Mars exploration plans.

Central to the mission is a rover and helicopter combination akin to NASA's Perseverance rover, highlighting India's commitment to advancing space exploration technologies and scientific capabilities.

ISRO Mars mission: Innovative technologies for precision landing

ISRO is currently working on a supersonic parachute and sky crane system, drawing inspiration from NASA's successful deployment techniques. These technologies are pivotal for ensuring the safe and accurate landing of the rover on Mars' challenging terrain, marking a significant milestone in India's interplanetary exploration efforts.

Strategic launch vehicle selection

The Mars mission will be launched aboard the heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), underscoring ISRO's strategic choice of launch vehicles to ensure mission success. This selection reflects ISRO's dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology for interplanetary missions and underscores its commitment to precision and reliability.

Customised technology development

ISRO's engineers are actively engaged in designing and developing specialised technology tailored to the Indian rover's unique requirements. This includes refining the sky crane system and other mission-critical components to withstand the harsh conditions of Mars' surface.

Innovative aerial exploration

A pivotal component of ISRO's Mars mission is the conceptualization and design of a fully functional helicopter capable of operating in Mars' thin atmosphere. Equipped with advanced instruments like Marble, the helicopter will enable aerial exploration, providing invaluable insights into Mars' atmospheric dynamics.

Seamless communication infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of continuous communication, ISRO plans to deploy a dedicated relay communication satellite before the mission launch. This satellite will serve as a crucial link, ensuring uninterrupted communication despite signal transmission challenges posed by the vast distances between Mars and Earth.

ISRO's Mars Mission represents a bold step forward in India's space exploration journey, showcasing the nation's technological prowess and commitment to advancing scientific frontiers beyond Earth. This comprehensive strategy underscores ISRO's determination to explore new horizons and unravel the mysteries of the Red Planet.

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