The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its second Mars mission, dubbed the Mars Lander Mission (MLM). Following the successful first mission, named the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), this new mission could be referred to as Mangalyaan-2.
Prior to the Mars Lander Mission, ISRO plans to send an orbiter that will circle Mars. This will serve as a Communication Relay Orbiter (CRO), essentially bridging contact with the Indian spacecraft set to land on Mars. It will operate like a telephone exchange and will be armed with VNIR and IR cameras to study the Martian atmospheric dynamics. It's anticipated that this ISRO dream project could launch by the year 2031.
India's inaugural Mars landing mission has a lot in store:
Source: aajtak
The Launcher...
The Mars Lander Mission (MLM) will be launched aboard the heavy-lift LVM-3 rocket, capable of carrying large spacecraft into space. Prior to this, the Mars Communication Relay Orbiter will be launched via a PSLV rocket.
Advanced Technology...
For MLM's descent onto the Martian surface, a supersonic parachute will be used alongside an aero-dynamic design. Moreover, a sky-crane similar to what NASA employed for the Curiosity rover deployment is also under development.
Potential payloads on Mangalyaan-2 could include...
Ground Penetrating Radar...
to study subsurface characteristics.
UV-TIR Spectrometer...
for mapping Martian minerals.
Raman Spectrometer...
to search for biosignatures, indicating signs of life.
Microscopic Color Imager...
to study the exteriors and soil.
Stereo Camera...
for geological and navigational studies.
Dust Analyzer...
for atmospheric dust study. Alongside these, a Radiation Budget Monitoring Instrument and In-situ Resource Utilization Instrument are also likely to be included.
