NASA's Mars Ingenuity helicopter
(NASA/JPL-Caltech/Arizona State University)
Over the years, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has blazed a distinguished path in space exploration. The space program has consistently exceeded expectations, earning global admiration for its bold and cost-effective missions.
Now, ISRO is gearing up for its next ambitious project, a mission to send a helicopter to Mars, similar to NASA's Ingenuity Quadcopter, which recently completed a pioneering three-year mission that included 72 flights.
As a continuation of the Mangalyaan Mars Orbiter Mission, which concluded its mission in 2022 after nearly a decade orbiting Mars, ISRO is embarking on a bold mission that involves landing a lander on Mars and deploying a rover as well as a helicopter.
The proposed helicopter, which is currently in the conceptual stage, is called the Martian Boundary Layer Explorer (Marble).
It aims to fly up to 100 meters into the thin Martian air, profile the Red Planet's atmosphere and make in situ measurements in the near-surface boundary layers.
Equipped with an array of scientific instruments, including sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, electric field, rare species and dust, Marble will enable atmospheric exploration of Mars, providing important data for understanding Martian weather patterns and climate history.
This mission holds great promise in uncovering the secrets of Mars, helping predict future conditions, identifying risks, and facilitating planning for upcoming exploration endeavours.
With Marble, ISRO looks set to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration, strengthening India's position as a major player in the global space arena. This mission underscores ISRO's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing humanity's understanding of the universe.
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