The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Swedish National Space Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising Sweden's participation in India's Venus Orbiter Mission, unofficially known as Shukrayaan. The agreement was signed during the recent official visit of the Prime Minister to Sweden, and was highlighted in current affairs coverage on 21 May 2026. The Venus Orbiter Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024, with a sanctioned cost of about Rs 1,236 crore. The mission aims to study the surface, sub-surface, and atmosphere of Venus, as well as the interaction of the Venusian atmosphere with the Sun. ISRO has announced a planned launch date of 29 March 2028, with the spacecraft expected to reach Venusian orbit on 19 July 2028 after a journey of about 112 days. The scientific payload of roughly 100 kilograms includes instruments developed in India along with collaborative and international payloads. Sweden's participation strengthens the international scientific collaboration on the mission and brings in additional expertise in space instrumentation. Venus, often called Earth's twin because of its similar size and mass, presents a hostile environment with a thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and extreme surface temperatures. Studying Venus is expected to deepen scientific understanding of planetary evolution, atmospheric processes, and the conditions that make planets habitable or inhospitable, reinforcing India's growing presence in planetary exploration after the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
India and Sweden Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Swedish National Space Agency Participation in ISRO Venus Orbiter Mission Shukrayaan Targeting a March 2028 Launch and Venus Orbit Insertion in July 2028
ISRO and the Swedish National Space Agency signed an MoU formalising Sweden's participation in India's Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan, which targets a 29 March 2028 launch and Venus orbit insertion on 19 July 2028.
Key facts
- ISRO and the Swedish National Space Agency signed an MoU for Sweden's participation in the Venus Orbiter Mission Shukrayaan.
- The Venus Orbiter Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024 with a sanctioned cost of about Rs 1,236 crore.
- The mission targets a launch on 29 March 2028 and Venus orbit insertion on 19 July 2028 after a 112-day journey.
- The roughly 100 kg payload includes Indian, collaborative, and international scientific instruments.
- The mission will study the surface, sub-surface, and atmosphere of Venus and its interaction with the Sun.
- Venus is called Earth's twin due to similar size and mass but has a hostile carbon dioxide atmosphere.
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Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Shukrayaan, the mission for which ISRO recently signed a participation MoU with the Swedish National Space Agency, is associated with the exploration of which celestial body?
Shukrayaan is the unofficial name of ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word for Venus. The mission aims to study the surface, sub-surface, and atmosphere of Venus. Chandrayaan is associated with the Moon and Mangalyaan with Mars, so the correct answer is Venus.
Source: ISRO
Frequently asked questions
What is Shukrayaan?
Shukrayaan is the unofficial name of ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission, which aims to study the surface, sub-surface, and atmosphere of Venus and its interaction with the Sun.
When was the Venus Orbiter Mission approved and at what cost?
The Venus Orbiter Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024 with a sanctioned cost of about Rs 1,236 crore.
What is Sweden's role in the mission?
The Swedish National Space Agency signed an MoU with ISRO to participate in the mission, contributing expertise in space instrumentation and strengthening international scientific collaboration.
When is the mission expected to launch and reach Venus?
ISRO has announced a planned launch date of 29 March 2028, with the spacecraft expected to enter Venusian orbit on 19 July 2028 after a journey of about 112 days.
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