Thu Sep 19 07:27:35 UTC 2024: ## India Approves Ambitious Venus Mission: “VOM” Aims to Unravel Secrets of Earth’s “Twin” Planet
**New Delhi, India** – The Indian government has given the green light to a groundbreaking mission to Venus, the “Venus Orbiter Mission” (VOM), marking a significant leap forward in India’s space exploration ambitions. This mission, approved by the Union Cabinet, is expected to launch in March 2028 and will provide unprecedented insight into the planet’s atmosphere, geology, and the complex processes that shaped it.
The VOM will place a scientific spacecraft in orbit around Venus, studying its surface, subsurface, and atmosphere. The data collected will be crucial for understanding the evolution of Venus, a planet believed to have once been habitable and strikingly similar to Earth.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will oversee the development and launch of the spacecraft, utilizing its established expertise and proven track record. The mission, estimated to cost Rs. 1236 crore, promises to generate substantial scientific knowledge and create employment opportunities in the Indian space industry.
“This mission is a testament to India’s growing prowess in space exploration,” said a government official. “VOM will enable us to answer crucial questions about Venus, and the data gathered will benefit the global scientific community. The mission also presents an exciting opportunity to advance India’s technological capabilities and foster collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners.”
The VOM is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of planetary evolution and potentially provide insights into the future of Earth’s climate. The mission promises to be a landmark achievement in India’s space program, showcasing its commitment to scientific exploration and its growing role in the global space community.
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