India’s Venus Orbiter Mission Set For 2028 Launch

India’s ambitious Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) has been approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Set to launch in March 2028, this mission aims to explore Venus’s atmosphere and geology, generating significant scientific data.

With a budget of Rs 1,236 crore, of which Rs 824 crore will be dedicated to the spacecraft, the funding covers development, specific payloads, ground support, and the launch vehicle. Venus, being Earth’s closest planetary neighbor, presents a unique opportunity to understand different planetary evolution, particularly since it may have once been habitable.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will spearhead the mission, responsible for spacecraft development and launch, ensuring effective management and monitoring. The scientific data collected will be shared with the global scientific community through established channels.

The VOM is not just a step toward understanding Venus but also positions India for future planetary missions, enabling larger payloads and refined orbital insertion techniques. This mission represents a significant leap in India’s space exploration efforts, following successful missions to the Moon and Mars.