At the Navaratna Conference, ISRO revealed plans for Mangalyaan-2, India’s next Mars mission. Unlike Mangalyaan-1, this mission will attempt a Mars landing and deploy a helicopter, making it India’s first direct planetary landing effort. Though a launch date is yet to be announced, the mission blueprint is in place.

BulletsIn

• ISRO to attempt first Mars landing with Mangalyaan-2

• Mission aims for surface landing, not just orbit like Mangalyaan-1

• Will carry a helicopter for aerial exploration, India’s first on another planet

• 4,500 kg spacecraft to launch using LVM3 rocket

• Mission begins in Earth orbit, proceeds via Cruise Stage to Mars

• Descent Stage separates, enters Mars’ atmosphere directly

• Entry sequence uses aerobraking, heat shield, and supersonic parachutes

• Onboard engines guide the lander to a soft, pinpoint touchdown

• Helicopter enhances terrain access and scientific research

• No set launch date yet; a major leap in India’s interplanetary goals