Back to the history :- Mangalyaan took India to Mars on a budget smaller than a Bond film.....

The day was November 5, 2013, India embarked on a remarkable journey to Mars with the launch of Mangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), cementing its place in the global space community.

Mission was accomplished from start to end by our jewel of nation i.e. the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission was no small feat; it was designed not only to explore Mars but to push the boundaries of India’s space capabilities.

Within a year of it's launch, on September 24, 2014, Mangalyaan achieved what many considered impossible, becoming the first Asian spacecraft to reach Mars and the first in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.

India’s leap into interplanetary space came at an astonishingly low cost. With a budget of approximately $72 million, Mangalyaan remains the most affordable Mars mission ever, showcasing ISRO’s ability to innovate under constraints.

The mission aimed to study the Martian atmosphere, surface, and mineral composition, utilising five scientific instruments aboard the orbiter. Over seven years, Mangalyaan transmitted a wealth of valuable data, enriching our understanding of the Red Planet and providing insights into Martian dust storms, methane presence, and atmospheric patterns.

Mangalyaan’s success has resonated globally, drawing admiration and respect from leading space agencies. Its triumph on the first attempt is a rare achievement in space exploration, especially for a country on a budget, proving that India could dream bigger and achieve even bigger.

The mission has significantly bolstered ISRO’s reputation, demonstrating India’s potential as a serious contender in the space industry.

As ISRO plans Mangalyaan-2, set for launch in the coming years, the legacy of MOM continues to inspire. The upcoming mission aims to delve deeper into Martian geology and atmosphere, advancing the foundation laid by its predecessor.

Through Mangalyaan, India has not only reached Mars but has also shown the world that with vision, grit, and ingenuity, interplanetary exploration is within reach.