Daily Current Affairs : 26-September-2023
In the vast expanse of our solar system, Mars stands as the fourth planet from the Sun, a terrestrial world with intriguing geological features. In 2014, India’s space agency, ISRO, made history by successfully launching the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan. This endeavor not only deepened our understanding of Mars but also elevated India’s status in the global space exploration arena.
Mars: The Red Planet
Mars: A Terrestrial Wonder
- Mars is a rocky planet primarily composed of silicate rocks and metals.
- Its distinctive red hue is due to iron minerals in the Martian soil oxidizing, giving rise to the planet’s nickname, the Red Planet.
- Mars boasts unique geological features such as Olympus Mons, a colossal shield volcano, and Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.
Atmosphere and Climate
- Mars has a thin atmosphere comprising mainly carbon dioxide, argon, nitrogen, with traces of oxygen and water vapor.
- The planet experiences seasons, similar to Earth, but they are approximately twice as long due to Mars’ longer orbital period.
- Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, but no rings encircle the planet.
Mangalyaan: India’s Tryst with Mars
The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)
- Launched in 2013 by ISRO aboard PSLV-C25, Mangalyaan entered Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014.
- MOM’s mission objectives included technological demonstrations vital for interplanetary missions.
- It carried scientific payloads like the Mars Color Camera and Methane Sensor for Mars, enhancing our understanding of the Martian surface and atmosphere.
Significance and Achievements
- ISRO became the fourth space agency globally, after NASA, ROSCOSMOS, and the European Space Agency, to successfully orbit Mars.
- India’s cost-effective approach, with a budget of Rupees 450 Cr, highlighted the nation as a credible spacefaring entity.
- MOM’s scientific achievements included the discovery of oxygen abundance surpassing carbon dioxide at specific altitudes, a crucial finding in planetary science.
Looking Ahead: Mangalyaan 2
Mangalyaan 2: Unraveling Martian Mysteries
- ISRO’s upcoming mission, Mangalyaan 2, slated for 2024, aims to deepen our understanding of Mars’ crust and geological features.
- The spacecraft will carry advanced instruments such as a hyperspectral camera and radar to study early Martian crust and recent geological phenomena.
Important Points:
- Mars: The Red Planet
- Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is primarily composed of silicate rocks and metals.
- Its distinctive red color is due to iron minerals in the soil oxidizing.
- Notable geological features include Olympus Mons, a massive shield volcano, and Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.
- Mars has a thin atmosphere mainly consisting of carbon dioxide, argon, nitrogen, with traces of oxygen and water vapor.
- The planet experiences seasons, but they are approximately twice as long as Earth’s due to its longer orbital period.
- Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, but no rings.
- Mangalyaan: India’s Mission to Mars
- The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was launched by ISRO in 2013 and entered Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014.
- MOM was a technology demonstrator project, showcasing India’s capabilities in interplanetary missions.
- MOM’s scientific payloads included the Mars Color Camera and Methane Sensor for Mars, enhancing our understanding of the Martian surface and atmosphere.
- ISRO became the fourth space agency globally to successfully orbit Mars, after NASA, ROSCOSMOS, and the European Space Agency.
- MOM’s budget of Rupees 450 Cr highlighted India’s cost-effective approach to space exploration.
- Achievements and Significance
- MOM’s scientific achievements included the discovery that oxygen abundance exceeds carbon dioxide at specific altitudes on Mars.
- The mission’s Mars Color Camera produced over 1100 images and published a Mars Atlas.
- India’s successful Mars mission bolstered the nation’s reputation as a credible spacefaring nation.
- Mangalyaan 2: Future Endeavors
- ISRO plans to launch Mangalyaan 2 in 2024.
- Mangalyaan 2 will carry advanced instruments, including a hyperspectral camera and radar, to study Martian crust and geological phenomena.
Why In News
Recently, the anniversary of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), Mangalyaan, was celebrated, marking its successful entry into orbit around Mars on September 24, 2014. This monumental achievement by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) not only made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit but also showcased India’s prowess in space exploration, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers. The event was commemorated with nationwide pride, highlighting India’s significant contribution to the world of space science and technology.
MCQs about Mangalyaan
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What is the primary reason for Mars’ distinctive red color?
A. Abundance of nitrogen
B. Iron minerals in the soil oxidizing
C. Presence of water vapor
D. Reflection of sunlight
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Which organization successfully launched Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, in 2013?
A. NASA
B. ISRO
C. European Space Agency
D. ROSCOSMOS
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What was the main objective of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)?
A. To study Martian moons
B. To develop technologies for interplanetary missions
C. To search for signs of extraterrestrial life
D. To measure Mars’ gravitational pull
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What significant discovery did the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) make about Mars’ atmosphere?
A. Presence of abundant nitrogen
B. Higher oxygen abundance compared to carbon dioxide at specific altitudes
C. Thick atmosphere composed mainly of water vapor
D. Presence of methane indicating possible life
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