Bangalore, India – On December 6, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a monumental milestone with the successful launch of its third Mars mission, named "Mangal 3." The spacecraft, carrying advanced scientific instruments, was launched aboard the GSLV Mk III rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The mission marks India’s continued ambition to explore the Red Planet and establish itself as a key player in space exploration.

Mangal 3’s primary objective is to study the Martian atmosphere, its climate, and geological features, as well as to search for signs of past life. The spacecraft is equipped with a high-resolution camera, infrared spectrometers, and a dust analyzer to study the composition of Martian soil. The mission will also gather data to better understand Mars' water history and its potential to support human life in the future.

ISRO’s previous missions, Mangal 1 (2013) and Mangal 2 (2017), were successful, with Mangal 1 being India’s first interplanetary mission and a historic achievement in space exploration. Mangal 2 provided valuable data about Mars’ atmosphere and surface, and its success established India as the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit.

Mangal 3 is expected to provide more in-depth data on the Martian climate and geology, and scientists hope the mission will aid in developing technologies for future human exploration. The launch was celebrated by millions of Indians, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing it as a symbol of India’s growing technological prowess.

ISRO’s ambitious space exploration plans also include the Chandrayaan 3 mission to the Moon, with a potential human mission to Mars in the coming decades. However, experts caution that the Mangal 3 mission will need to be meticulously monitored for the next 18 months, as the harsh conditions of Mars pose significant challenges for spacecraft.

Sources: ISRO press release, space scientists, industry experts.