More About Mangalyaan: The Quintessential Features to Know

MAVEN To Precede MOM:

Incidentally, NASA’s MAVEN Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft is expected to enter the orbit around Mars on September 22, two days before the MOM.  Both the MOM and the MAVEN were launched into space last year.

Maven was sent to study the Red Planet's high atmosphere, to try to understand the processes that have robbed the world of most of its air. This will enable scientists to build better models of current and past climatic conditions on Mars.

Main Objectives:

The primary objective is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission. The other important objectives includes 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.

More than anything MOM will showcase India’s Rocket launching systems, Spacecraft building technology and operation capabilities.

Also Read: Mars Mission: ISRO Geared Up For A Crucial Manoeuvre Tomorrow