India First to Reach Mars Orbit on First Attempt
September 24th, 2014
September 24th, 2014
How Long Ago?
10 years, 5 months, 21 days ago
Location
India
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
- Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
- Dr. M. Annadurai
Links & References
Tags
India First to Reach Mars Orbit on First Attempt
India's Mars Orbiter Mission successfully entered orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the mission aimed to demonstrate India's cost-effective capabilities in space technology. The spacecraft, known as Mangalyaan, reached its destination 650 million kilometers away from Earth, achieving its objective with minimal cost and in a remarkable timeframe. This achievement positioned India as the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the only nation to do so on its first attempt.
Mangalyaan is India's first Mars mission.
It was launched at a record low cost of $74 million.
First nation to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt.
Conducted five experiments to study Martian features.
What Happened?
The Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 5, 2013, aimed to explore Mars’ surface and atmosphere, conduct research and experiments, and showcase India’s technological capabilities in the field of space exploration. After an extensive travel period of nearly ten months and a journey spanning approximately 650 million kilometers, the spacecraft successfully entered Martian orbit on September 24, 2014. At just $74 million, the mission was celebrated for its unprecedented cost-effectiveness, particularly when compared to similar missions by other countries, such as NASA's Mars mission costing several times more.Mangalyaan's primary objectives included studying the Martian surface, morphology, surface atmosphere, and mineral composition. The orbiter was equipped with five scientific instruments designed to gather data that would help decipher the Martian environment, which is crucial for understanding not just the planet itself but also for future missions and potential human exploration. This remarkable achievement was led by a team of skilled scientists and engineers at ISRO under the leadership of chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, making it a source of national pride and a demonstration of Indian prowess in the global space arena.
Why Does it Matter?
The achievement of the Mars Orbiter Mission not only highlighted India's burgeoning capabilities in space technology but also established the nation's presence on the global space exploration map. It sparked significant enthusiasm for science and technology in India, inspiring a new generation of engineers and scientists. The mission's success brought global attention to ISRO, encouraging international collaborations and boosting India's position in the field of space research.
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