India is preparing for its mission to Mars following the success of the first one known as Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission 1. The new mission, called Mangalyaan 2 or Mars Orbiter Mission 2, is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will carry four instruments that will study aspects of Mars, including interplanetary dust, the Martian atmosphere and the environment.
According to ISRO officials, the four scientific instruments for the mission are currently in stages of development. One of these instruments is called MODEX (Mars Orbit Dust Experiment), which aims to investigate dust particles (IDPs) at altitudes on Mars. By detecting particles ranging from nanometers to micrometres in size and travelling at speeds, MODEX will provide insights into dust flux on Mars. It will also explore the possibility of rings around Mars. Determine whether the dust originates from sources or from its moons Phobos and Deimos.
The launch of Mangalyaan 1 took place nine years ago on September 24 2014. It was a milestone for India as it became the country to successfully enter Mars orbit in its debut attempt.
Now ISRO has set its sights on building upon that achievement, with Mangalyaan 2 further pushing India’s exploration of the planet. Although the exact dates for launch and mission specifics have not been disclosed yet, preparations for this endeavor are already in swing.