Mars Orbiter Mission 2 facts for kids
The Mars Orbiter Mission 2, also known as Mangalyaan 2, is India's next big space adventure to Mars. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning this mission. It might launch around 2024, according to some reports.
India made history with its first Mars mission, Mangalyaan 1, which launched in 2013. It was the first Asian country to reach Mars' orbit. India was also the first nation ever to succeed on its very first try! The Mangalyaan 1 orbiter has been circling Mars for many years now. Just like the first mission, Mangalyaan 2 is also planned to be a low-cost project. The first mission cost only about $74 million.
Contents
About Mangalyaan 2
Mangalyaan 2 is India's second mission to the planet Mars. It is being developed by ISRO, which is India's space agency. This mission aims to learn even more about the Red Planet.
Why Explore Mars?
Mars is a fascinating planet, often called the "Red Planet" because of its rusty surface. Scientists want to study Mars to understand if life ever existed there. They also want to learn about its past and future. Exploring Mars helps us understand our own planet, Earth, better too.
India's First Mars Mission
India's first Mars mission, Mangalyaan 1, was a huge success. It launched in November 2013 and reached Mars' orbit in September 2014. This made India one of the few countries to successfully send a spacecraft to Mars. It was also special because it was done at a very low cost. Mangalyaan 1 carried instruments to study Mars' surface and atmosphere.
What Will Mangalyaan 2 Do?
While specific details for Mangalyaan 2 are still being planned, it will likely carry more advanced scientific instruments. These tools will help scientists study Mars' atmosphere, surface, and underground features in greater detail. It could look for signs of water, study the planet's climate, or even search for clues about past life. Each new mission helps us piece together the puzzle of Mars.
The Cost of Space Travel
Space missions can be very expensive. However, India is known for its cost-effective space programs. Mangalyaan 1 was one of the cheapest Mars missions ever. ISRO plans to continue this approach with Mangalyaan 2. This shows that amazing scientific discoveries can be made without spending huge amounts of money.