ISRO is planning to send drone to Mars. The drone is actually a rotocopter that will carry instruments to profile the Martian atmosphere. This mission is actually a follow-up to ISRO’s MOM (Mars Orbitar Mission) which reached its end life in 2022.
According to ISRO’s plan, the project will see a lander touchdown on the red planet, which will deploy a rover as well as a drone, along the lines of the Ingenuity quadcopter of the American space agency NASA. The quadcopter recently completed its unprecedented three-year mission where it completed 72 flights.
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It is believed that ISRO’s drone program is still in the conceptual stage. The drone is expected to fly as high as 100 meters in thin Martian air.
The drone will carry out aerial exploration of the red planet, using its suitable payloads, sensors, and equipment. It will carry the Martian Boundary Layer Explorer (Marble).
The Marble mission is expected to help scientists understand Martian weather patterns and climate history. The mission will also aid future exploration missions and predict future conditions.
The drone will conduct vertical profiling of atmospheric parameters and perform in-situ measurements in the near-surface boundary layers of Mars.
The Mars Orbiter Mission’s triumph and India’s forthcoming Martian drone expedition demonstrate India’s rising prowess in space exploration. ISRO has earned praise from global counterparts like NASA and its MAVEN team, showcasing the collaborative spirit driving humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos. From lunar endeavours to Mars missions, India’s commitment to advancing our understanding of space is evident.
In summary, ISRO’s announcement of a Martian drone mission marks another significant stride in India’s ambitious space exploration journey. Building upon the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission, this new endeavour aims to redefine boundaries and offer a glimpse into a bright future.
ISRO is planning to send Drone to Mars
Scientist Jayadev Pradeep from ISRO Space physics labortary revealed information about Marble Mission during a webinar shared the details, emphasizing its role in high resolution vertical profiling and in-situ measurements on Mars.
ISRO chief S. Somnath highlighted the mission’s accomplishment, including capturing full disc images from Mars and generating a comprehensive atlas of the planet with the onboard colour camera.
What is Quadcopter?
A quadcopter is a type of rotorcraft that has four propellers, or rotors, arranged in a square or rectangular configuration. Each propeller is driven by its own motor, and the speed and direction of rotation of each motor can be independently controlled. This allows for precise control of the quadcopter’s position and orientation in the air.
Quadcopters are popular for a variety of applications, including aerial photography and videography, remote sensing, search and rescue, and recreational flying. They are relatively simple to operate and maintain, and can be equipped with a wide range of sensors and cameras to suit different needs.
One of the key advantages of quadcopters is their ability to hover in place, thanks to the four independently controllable rotors. This makes them ideal for tasks that require stable and precise aerial positioning, such as aerial photography or search and rescue operations.
However, quadcopters also have some limitations. They typically have shorter flight times and lower payloads compared to other types of rotorcraft, such as helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. They are also more susceptible to wind and weather conditions, which can affect their stability and performance.
What is Rotocopter?
A rotocopter, also known as a gyrocopter or autogyro, is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in autorotation to generate lift. Unlike a helicopter, which uses an engine to turn its rotor blades, a rotocopter relies on forward motion through the air to spin its rotor. The rotor is usually mounted above the fuselage on a mast, and the lift generated by the rotor provides the majority of the lift needed to keep the aircraft in the air.
The forward motion of the rotocopter is typically provided by a conventional engine and propeller combination. The rotocopter’s rotor is not powered during flight, but it does autorotate, allowing for a smooth and controlled descent in the event of an engine failure. This makes the rotocopter a relatively safe and stable aircraft.