The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an ambitious Mars mission that includes deploying a rover and drone on the red planet, as reported by various media outlets. This mission will serve as a sequel to ISRO’s Mangalyaan Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which concluded its operations in 2022.
According to ISRO’s outlined plan, the upcoming project involves a lander touchdown on Mars, equipped to release both a rover and a drone, drawing inspiration from NASA’s Ingenuity quadcopter. The Ingenuity recently completed a groundbreaking three-year mission, accomplishing 72 flights.
While ISRO’s drone program is still in its conceptual stage, it is anticipated to soar to heights of up to 100 meters in the thin Martian atmosphere. The drone will perform aerial exploration of Mars, utilizing suitable payloads, sensors, and equipment. The mission will include the Martian Boundary Layer Explorer (Marble), contributing to understanding Martian weather patterns, climate history, and aiding future exploration missions.
The Marble mission’s focus includes conducting vertical profiling of atmospheric parameters and in-situ measurements in the near-surface boundary layers of Mars. This venture aligns with ISRO’s commitment to advancing space exploration and contributing valuable insights to the global scientific community.
