Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is the most economical interplanetary mission in the world

paved way for cost-effective access to deep space

The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has various achievements to its credit after it was inserted into Mars orbit on September 24, 2014. The details of significant achievements of MOM include – i. First interplanetary mission realized by India and first Indian spacecraft to incorporate full scale on-board autonomy to overcome the long distances and the communication gaps due to non-visibility periods. ii. First Indian spacecraft to successfully survive Van Allen belt crossing 39 times. iii. First mission to use Ship Borne Terminals to track the launch vehicle and satellite over Pacific Ocean by ISRO. iv. First Indian spacecraft to escape the Sphere Of Influence of Earth and orbit Sun. v. First Mars mission in the world to succeed Mars Orbit Insertion in first attempt. vi. Most economical interplanetary mission in the world and paved way for cost-effective access to deep space. The launch vehicle, Spacecraft and Ground Segment have been realised with a budget of Rs 450 Cr. The planned life span of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) after its insertion into Mars orbit on September 24, 2014 is 6 months. The planned life span (6 months) of MOM is completing on March 24, 2015. One of the life limiting parameters of a spacecraft, under nominal orbital conditions, is the availability of propellant to maintain its orbit and orientation. In case of MOM, a reserve of 37 kg of propellant is available in the satellite. Since the health parameters of all critical systems of the satellite are very satisfactory, it is expected that MOM willoutlive its planned life span of 6 months. The increased duration of observation of Mars by five scientific payloads will enhance the planetary science data. It would also enable coverage of Mars in different seasons. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) - Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has been awarded “Space Pioneer Award” for science and engineering category for the year 2015 by the US based National Space Society. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to ISRO in recognition of its path-breaking achievement, culminating in Mars Orbiter Mission, its significant contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.