From the feasibility study of June 2011, which said that Isro’s most tested launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), could be used for a mission to Mars, to the early hours of December 1, when the spacecraft was injected into its Mars transfer orbit, it’s been an exciting journey.
If the mission could be broken into three steps, then I’d say we’ve passed the first two—getting it into earth orbit, then the injection into a planned orbit around the Sun—and are now ready for the third, on September 24, 2014: Reducing the orbiter’s velocity significantly for its entry into the Mars orbit.
With the remote sensing and geostationary missions which Isro has been performing for the past two decades, if you missed an operation you could do it in the next orbit. The Mars mission, however, is unique: Miss one operation and the spacecraft could drift off anywhere.
(This story appears in the 10 January, 2014 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
ISRO must increase launch frequency as soon as possible. The proposed third vehicle assembly building must be built soon. Current frequency is upto 3 launches per year. This must be increased to 6 by 2014 end. Also work on the third high-tech launch pad and associated facilities must be started...
on Jan 27, 2014Its very good article to clear many negative perceptions floating around about mission objectives. More such information needs to be shared in public domain for all Indians to feel proud and remove any negativity in less educated minds.
on Jan 2, 2014Go ISRO! Good luck on all your endeavors. I\'m a die hard fan of ISRO. Our support will always be with ISRO.
on Dec 31, 2013