Questions about Mars Orbiter Mission

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was the Mars Orbiter Mission launched?

The Mars Orbiter Mission probe lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre on the 5th of November 2013. A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle designated C25 carried the spacecraft into space at 09:08 UTC.

How much did the Mars Orbiter Mission cost to build and operate?

The total project cost for the Mars Orbiter Mission was estimated at up to 450 Crore rupees. This budget included the satellite itself and funds allocated for ground station upgrades used for other projects.

What scientific instruments were installed on the Mars Orbiter Mission probe?

Five scientific instruments flew aboard the Mars Orbiter Mission probe including the Lyman-Alpha Photometer, Methane Sensor for Mars, Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, Mars Colour Camera, and Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser. These tools explored surface features, morphology, and mineralogy while studying volatile escape into outer space.

Why did the Mars Orbiter Mission end in October 2022?

Reports confirmed irrecoverable loss of communications with the Mars Orbiter Mission on the 2nd of October 2022 due to depleted attitude control fuel during a seven-hour eclipse period. The prolonged darkness prevented any further attitude adjustments needed to sustain battery power or keep the antenna pointed at Earth.

Who announced the initial concept for the Mars Orbiter Mission?

G. Madhavan Nair stood before the public in November 2008 to announce an uncrewed mission to Mars as the first official acknowledgment of India's ambition to reach the Red Planet. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave his final approval on the 3rd of August 2012 after ISRO completed all required studies.