From Shukrayana to INSAT-3DS: Top Space missions by ISRO in 2024

The year 2023 has been marked by exciting milestones in space exploration, and the anticipation for 2024 is equally high, especially with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) gearing up for a series of groundbreaking missions. The upcoming ISRO missions in 2024 promise to expand our understanding of Earth, Mars, Venus, and the cosmos at large, showcasing India's prowess in space exploration. Here is a comprehensive list of the upcoming ISRO missions slated for the next year-

The successor to India's first interplanetary mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan 1), is set to launch in 2024. MOM-2 aims to enhance scientific exploration with an improved payload. Utilizing aerobraking, it will adjust its orbit for optimal scientific observation of Mars.

ISRO is poised to launch the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1, 2024, or later. This mission is dedicated to studying various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources, with a particular focus on black holes and neutron stars. The launch is scheduled as part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) - C58 mission and XPoSat is expected to operate for a minimum of five years.

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a collaborative Earth observation satellite mission jointly undertaken by the United States and India. The mission's primary objective is to study and monitor changes on Earth's surface, with a specific focus on natural hazards and global environmental changes.

Shukrayaan-1, also known as the Venus Orbiter Mission, is a prospective venture by ISRO to study Venus comprehensively. Focusing on Venus's surface and atmosphere, the mission aims to delve into geological and volcanic activities, unravelling the unique characteristics of the planet.

INSAT-3DS is an upcoming Indian meteorological satellite scheduled for launch in January 2024. Carried into space by the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk II (GSLV Mk II), its primary mission is meteorological observation, contributing significantly to weather monitoring and forecasting.