The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a significant milestone as its Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, completed seven years in orbit around Mars. Launched on November 5, 2013, the mission has provided invaluable data and images of the Martian surface, atmosphere, and weather systems.
Mangalyaan was initially intended to last for six months, but it has far exceeded expectations by operating for seven years, making it one of the most successful interplanetary missions ever undertaken. The mission has helped India join the elite club of space agencies with missions to Mars, alongside NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos.
ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan praised the team’s efforts and the mission’s success. “Mangalyaan has been a pathbreaker for ISRO and has provided us with a wealth of data that will help in future Mars missions. The mission’s longevity is a testament to the robustness of the spacecraft and the ingenuity of our scientists and engineers,” he said.
The spacecraft has provided over 1,000 images of the Red Planet, revealing details about its surface features, mineral composition, and weather patterns. One of the mission’s significant achievements was capturing images of the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, and the Valles Marineris canyon system.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the mission’s achievements. “The Mars Orbiter Mission is a shining example of what our scientists are capable of. It has inspired a whole generation of young Indians to pursue careers in science and space exploration,” he said in a statement.
As Mangalyaan continues to orbit Mars, its legacy paves the way for future interplanetary missions, including ISRO’s upcoming Chandrayaan-3 and the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space.
The success of MOM has not only boosted India’s space capabilities but has also established ISRO as a major player in the global space community, contributing to humanity’s understanding of the Martian environment.
