Question

Consider the following about Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM):

1. It was launched using GSLV Mk II.

2. It was the least expensive Mars mission globally.

3. The project director was S. Arunan.

• A. 1 & 2
• B. 2 & 3
• C. 1 & 3
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 & 3

• Correct Answer: Option B) 2 & 3

• The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, was India's first interplanetary mission launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Let's analyze each statement:

• Statement 1 is False: MOM was not launched using GSLV Mk II. It was launched using PSLV-C25 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on November 5, 2013. ISRO used the PSLV because the GSLV was not yet reliable enough for this critical mission at that time.

• Statement 2 is True: MOM was indeed the least expensive Mars mission globally. The total cost of the mission was approximately $74 million (₹450 crore), making it significantly cheaper than other Mars missions conducted by NASA, ESA, or other space agencies. This cost-effectiveness earned it the nickname "the budget Mars mission."

• Statement 3 is True: S. Arunan was the project director for the Mars Orbiter Mission. He led the team at ISRO that successfully designed, built, and operated India's first Mars mission.

• Since statements 2 and 3 are correct, Option B (2 & 3) is the right answer.