ISRO’s Mangalyaan-2 Mission to Include Helicopter, Sky Crane, Rover for Navigation on Mars

Current Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled its ambitious strategy for the Mangalyaan-2 mission. This mission will include a rover, a helicopter, and a sky crane for navigation on Mars.

• Here are some key details:
• Rover and Helicopter: The mission will feature a rover and a helicopter combination, similar to NASA’s Perseverance rover. Currently in the conceptual stage, the helicopter will carry several instruments and is designed to fly up to 100 meters in the thin Martian air.
• Sky Crane: A sky crane will be used for deploying the rover on the Red Planet. This system allows for a controlled and precise landing, avoiding the need for airbags or ramps.
• Launch Vehicle: The mission will be launched aboard the heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) to Mars.
• Relay Communication Satellite: ISRO is also planning to deploy a relay communication satellite ahead of the mission launch to ensure smooth uninterrupted communications between Mars and Earth.

Question:

Q1. What is the purpose of the Mangalyaan-2 mission’s rover and helicopter combination?

• A) To navigate on Mars
• B) To fly in the Martian air
• C) To communicate with Earth
• D) To launch the mission

Answer: A) To navigate on Mars