October 1, 2024: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced the launch date for its highly anticipated Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for interplanetary exploration. Scheduled to launch on March 29, 2028, the spacecraft, named Shukrayaan-1, aims to unlock the mysteries of Earth’s enigmatic twin, Venus.

The mission will utilize ISRO's powerful LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket, which is set to propel the orbiter on a journey lasting 112 days. Upon completion of its voyage, Shukrayaan-1 is expected to arrive in orbit around Venus on July 19, 2028. This landmark mission not only underscores India’s burgeoning capabilities in space exploration but also enhances global efforts to understand our solar system.

Shukrayaan-1 is equipped with a suite of advanced scientific instruments designed to study various aspects of Venus. The primary objectives of the mission include analyzing the planet's atmospheric composition, mapping its surface features, and investigating potential volcanic or seismic activity. With its dense atmosphere and extreme surface conditions, Venus presents a unique set of challenges, and this mission aims to shed light on these phenomena.

ISRO's VOM is a testament to India’s commitment to expanding its space exploration endeavors and will contribute valuable data to the global scientific community.