Mission Mars: ISRO's Journey From Blue To Red Planet

Aims and Objective of this Mission:

The primary objective of the Rs 450-crore Mangalyaan is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission. The other important objectives include Deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management. Exploration of Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and Martian atmosphere by indigenous scientific instruments.

The MOM will also study the atmosphere of Mars, using a methane gas sniffer. On Earth, methane can have both geological and biological origins, so detecting it on Mars could suggest the presence of life on Mars.

Ultimate Destination:

Today, India made history by becoming the first country in the world to enter the Martian orbit in its maiden attempt.

The Mars orbit insertion began in the early hours at 4.17 a.m. when the spacecraft switched over to the medium gain antenna for emitting and receiving radio signals. After rotating the Orbiter in the direction of Mars at 6.57 a.m., the main engine was ignited at 7.17 a.m. to enable the spacecraft enter the Martian orbit.

During the crucial operation, when an eclipse occurred on Mars from 7.12 a.m., the 440 Newton liquid apogee motor (LAM) of the main engine started burning at 7.30 a.m. and lasted for 24 minutes till 7.54 a.m. for inserting the spacecraft into the Martian orbit.

"Radars at the four earth stations across the U.S., Europe, India and Australia received the signal confirming the successful insertion of the spacecraft into the Martian orbit," the official said.

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