Mars Orbiter Mission – The Pride of Asia

Mission Objective

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) aimed to develop interplanetary mission technologies and explore Mars using local scientific tools.

Mission Significance

In those days, the race to Mars was in its early stages. Therefore, developing the appropriate instruments to achieve scientific results was crucial. 

What has it discovered? 

• 2017: Detection of super thermal (highly energetic) Argon in Mars’s exosphere while Mars was at the perihelion. 
• 2016: During perihelion in the evening, at an approximate altitude of 270km, oxygen abundance exceeds that of CO2.
• More than 35 published research papers in refereed journals!
• More than 1100 images, which were eventually included in Mars Atlas! 

Main Mission Goals

• Primary Goal – Technological Development for Interplanetary Missions – The aim is to advance the technologies essential for the design, planning, management, and execution of an interplanetary mission.

• Secondary Goal – Scientific Research on Mars – The aim is to investigate Mars’ surface characteristics, morphology, mineral composition, and Martian atmosphere using locally developed scientific instruments.

Mission Components 

• Mars Color Camera (MCC)
• Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS)
• Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM)
• Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer (MENCA)
• Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)

 

Interesting Facts

• The planned mission duration was six months. However, MOM managed to stay in orbit for seven years!

• MOM was India’s and Asia’s first interplanetary mission!
• In 2014, MOM got the title “Pride of Asia” from China due to its impressive achievements.
• ISRO was the 4th space agency to reach Mars orbit.
• MOM got a first-ever observation of the far side of Deimos, one of Mars’ moons.
• The highly elliptical orbit of MOM allows its Camera (MCC) to capture full-disc images of Mars from its farthest point and capture finer details when it’s closest.

MOM’s Farewell

In April 2022, MOM entered a 7-hour eclipse period for which it wasn’t designed to survive. Then, on the 2nd of October 2022, ISRO reported that MOM had lost communication with land for good. On the 3rd of October, ISRO announced that all efforts to reestablish contact with MOM had failed and officially declared its mission concluded. 

India’s successful, cost-effective Mars mission on its first attempt has elevated its global reputation in space endeavors. This achievement opened the doors for increased Space Commerce opportunities, including satellite launch services and imagery marketing. MOM has become a source of national pride. It has captivated everyone’s attention, whether the global science and technical community or the rest of the public. Moreover, it has sparked curiosity and ongoing interest among the younger generation, promoting discussions about space-related technologies.

 

What does the future hold?

ISRO intends to launch MOM-2 in 2024, featuring an enhanced scientific payload and using aerobraking to optimize its orbit for scientific observation.

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