Venus Orbiter Mission

Why in news?

The Cabinet approved the Venus Orbiter Mission, with a budget of Rs 1,236 crore, of which Rs 824 crore will be spent on the spacecraft.

• VOM, scheduled for launch in March 2028, aims to explore Venus’ surface, subsurface, and atmosphere to understand the planet’s evolution.
• ISRO will develop and launch the spacecraft, and the mission will provide valuable insights into the evolution of Venus and Earth.

About Venus Orbiter Mission:

• It is envisaged toorbit a scientific spacecraftin the orbit of planet Venus.
• Objectives
• It is for better understanding of theVenusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes and influence of the Sun on Venusian atmosphere.
• The study of the underlyingcauses of the transformation of Venus, which is whispered to be once habitable and quite similar to Earth would be an invaluable aid in understanding the evolution of the sister planets, both Venus and Earth.
• The Indian Venus mission is expected to answer some of the outstanding scientific questions resulting in various scientific outcomes.
• India Space Research Organisation (ISRO)will be responsible for the development of spacecraft and its launch.
• The mission is expected to be accomplished on the opportunityavailable during March 2028.The realization of the spacecraft and launch vehicle is through various industries.
• Funding:The total fund approved for the VOM is Rs.1236 Cr out of which Rs 824.00 Crore will be spent on the spacecraft.
• The cost includes development and realization of the spacecraft including its specific payloads and technology elements, global ground station support cost for navigation and network as well as the cost of launch vehicle.
• Significance:Venus, the closest planet to Earth and believed to have formed in conditions similar to Earth, offers a unique opportunity to understand how planetary environments can evolve very differently.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

India is set to establish its own space station, the BAS, with the launch of its first module planned for 2028.

Technological and Economic Impact

• Microgravity Research: BAS will serve as a platform formicrogravity-based scientific research andtechnology development, leading totechnological spin-offsand innovations.
• Increased Industrial Participation: The programme will encourageindustrial collaboration inniche high-technology areas, boostingemploymentin thespace and allied sectors.
• National Technological Capabilities: The development of BAS will enhance India’s capabilities inhuman space missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• The programme will inspire young talent to pursue careers in space technology and scientific research.
• Thetechnological spin-offs from space research will have broader applications that benefit society, including advancements inhealthcare,telecommunications, andmaterials science.