India is on the verge of achieving remarkable progress in space exploration with the imminent launch of Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2) by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This ambitious mission, designed to land a rover and deploy a helicopter on Mars, is poised to make history in India’s space endeavors.
Delving into the core reasons why MOM 2 is capturing global attention, we explore how it cements India’s role as a leading player in space exploration.
Ambitious Goals of MOM 2
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2013, where India secured its place as the fourth space agency to orbit Mars, MOM 2 takes the mission a step further by introducing a rover and a helicopter, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
MARBLE
At the heart of MOM 2 lies the Martian Boundary Layer Explorer (MARBLE), an ingenious drone crafted to fly 100m above the Martian surface. Outfitted with advanced instruments, MARBLE’s mission is to gather crucial data on temperature, atmospheric pressure, composition, and more.
This data is vital for comprehending atmospheric circulation, predicting dust storms, and understanding the evolution of the Martian atmosphere.
Srimathy Kesan, CEO of Space Kidz India, underscores MARBLE’s significance, stating, “Understanding Martian weather patterns is vital for future human missions and robotic exploration, enabling us to predict dust storms, wind patterns, and other hazards.”
MARBLE’s data will play a pivotal role in designing and planning future missions, ensuring their safety and success by providing crucial information about atmospheric conditions and potential landing sites.
Shaping the Future of Mars Exploration
MOM 2 signifies a significant leap forward in India’s space exploration journey. The mission’s objectives align with the broader goal of advancing our understanding of Mars and preparing for future interplanetary missions.
With MOM 2, ISRO not only showcases technological prowess but also contributes valuable data that will shape the future of Mars exploration.
Response to NASA’s Ingenuity
Drawing inspiration from NASA’s successful Ingenuity quadcopter on Mars, MOM 2 aims to dispatch a drone to the Red Planet. Ingenuity exceeded NASA’s initial plans, completing 72 flights covering 18km over three years. Girish Linganna, a space expert, emphasizes the stability and maneuverability of quadcopters, highlighting their simple design ideal for various tasks.
Including a drone in MOM 2 adds an exciting dimension to the mission, providing the potential for aerial reconnaissance and detailed exploration of Martian terrain. This aligns with ISRO’s tradition of innovative and cost-effective solutions in space exploration.
Feasibility of Martian Exploration
Operating a drone on Mars presents unique challenges due to the planet’s lower gravity and thin atmosphere. Linganna explains that while Mars’s lower gravity is advantageous, the thin atmosphere requires innovative solutions for generating sufficient thrust. The article suggests modifying rotors or exploring airship designs relying on buoyant gases for lift.
The harsh Martian conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 130 degrees Fahrenheit at night, pose durability challenges for drone components. Additionally, the limited solar energy on Mars necessitates careful consideration of power sources. The article proposes smaller airship designs as potentially more feasible, capitalizing on the principle of buoyancy for sustained flight in Mars’s thin atmosphere.
Positive Takeaway
MOM 2 stands as proof of India’s growing influence in space exploration. The inclusion of MARBLE and the pursuit of Martian drones showcase ISRO’s dedication to innovation and scientific advancement. As MOM 2 unfolds, the world anticipates not only groundbreaking discoveries about Mars but also insights that will shape the future of interplanetary exploration.
MOM 2 marks a historic milestone, propelling India’s space program from orbiting Mars to actively exploring its surface and atmosphere. The mission’s success will undoubtedly strengthen India’s position in the global space community and inspire future generations to aspire to reach the stars.
