- ISRO stated that it has yet to receive approval from the Indian government for the Venus mission, and that the mission may be delayed until 2031 as a result.
Shukrayaan I: Venus Orbiter Mission
- Shukrayaan-I is an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) planned Venus orbiter to study the planet’s surface and atmosphere.
- The concept was born in 2012, and five years later, ISRO began preliminary research after the Department of Space received a 23% increase in the 2017-2018 budget.
- Depending on its final configuration, the orbiter could carry up to 100 kilogrammes (220 lb) of science payload and have 500 W of available power.
- The launch will involve GSLV Mark II.
Anticipated launch date
- ISRO had hoped to launch Shukrayaan I in mid-2023, but due to the pandemic, the date was pushed back to December 2024.
- Optimal launch windows from Earth to Venus occur every 19 months or so.
- This is why ISRO has ‘backup’ launch dates in 2026 and 2028 in case the 2024 opportunity is missed.
- However, even more optimal windows that reduce the amount of fuel required at liftoff occur every eight years.
Other Venus missions
- Venus missions, referred to as VERITAS and EnVision, are planned for 2031 by the US and European space agencies, respectively.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-pushing-venus-mission-shukrayaan-to-2031/article66382110.ece#:~:text=In%20a%20talk%20on%20January,a%20result%20be%20postponed%20to