INDIA SUCCESSFULLY REACHES MARS IN FIRST ATTEMPT

We all must be proud that we are the part of the historical moment when India became the first country to be successfully got its own low-cost spacecraft into the Martian orbit in a single attempt from its own land. India Has Given The Name To This Iconic Spacecraft - Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).

 Before India, various other nations have launched Mars missions, but out of the 51 efforts, only 21 were successful. The countries which made successful efforts are US, Russia, and the European Space Agency. Out of which, only the European Space Agency has got its orbiter right in the first attempt (Mars Express in 2003), but India can be declared as a first since the European agency is a collaboration of several nations. With the successful launch of the MOM, India joined the elite group who had reached Mars - Red Planet.

There is another interesting fact to be added here that MOM has been applauded for its low Price Tag Of $74 Million. It is estimated that this price is less than the money spent on Hollywood movie today.

India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft Commenced Its Journey On 5th November, 2013when PSLV –C25 lifted off from Sriharikota with the MOM in its nosecone. On 24th August 2014 it was finally started orbiting the red planet at 7:47am.

At this moment, ISRO scientists rejuvenated as they passed with the flying colors in a test that they had given 300 days before. As in a normal scenario there is suspense, tension, anxiety before the announcement of the result same was the case with the Scientists of ISRO. The wait for last 54 minute before MOM could set in the orbit of Mars was unbearable for them as during this period MOM first reoriented itself and then fired its engine and thrusters for about 24 minutes to get into the Martian orbit.

MOM is expected to circle Mars for six months that mean it will cover around 500 kms. During its rotation around the planet, it will study the planet's surface and scan its atmosphere for methane, which could provide evidence of some sort of life form.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at command centre at the southern city of Bangalore to witness the India’s historical moment. He congratulated Scientists of ISRO on their Success. He even urged that they should inspire younger generation to put in their best efforts in a similar manner so that achieving impossible became their habit.