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Mars Orbiter Mission

Mars Orbiter Mission

Type

Orbiter

Launch

Nov. 5, 2013

Target

Mars

Objective

Study Mars from orbit
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) first interplanetary mission, MOM studies Martian topography, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere. MOM’s orbit also allows several opportunities to observe the Martian moon Phobos.
Launch DateNov. 5, 2013 | 09:08 UT
Launch SiteSatish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India
DestinationMars
TypeOrbiter
StatusIn Progress
NationIndia
Alternate NamesMangalyaan, Mars Craft, 39370, 2013-060A

Goals

India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)—or Mangalyaan (Hindi for “Mars Craft”)—was the country’s first mission to the Red Planet. The mission goal was to test key technologies for interplanetary exploration and to use its five science instruments to study the Martian surface and atmosphere from orbit.

Accomplishments

The mission arrived safely in Mars orbit—completing the technology test. The spacecraft then spent eight years in orbit, returning science data and far exceeding its expected mission of six to 10 months.

Key Dates

Nov. 5, 2013 | 09:08 UT: Launch

Sept. 23, 2014 | 1:47:32 UT: Mars Orbit Insertion

April 2022 | : End of Mission

Spacecraft

Launch Vehicle: PSLV

Spacecraft Mass: 1,075 pounds (488 kilograms)

Spacecraft Instruments:

  1. Mars Color Camera

  2. Lyman Alpha Photometer

  3. Thermal Imaging Spectrometer

  4. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer

  5. Methane Sensor for Mars

Additional Resources

National Space Science Data Center Master Catalog: Mars Orbiter Mission

ISRO Update on the Mars Orbiter Mission, Its Accomplishments and Ending