Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) ISRO.
The
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the
cheapest Mars mission with its
Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). Launched in 2013, Mangalyaan made India the first country to successfully reach Mars on its first attempt and achieved this feat at a remarkably low cost of approximately $74 million (INR 450 crore), making it the most cost-effective Mars mission ever. This accomplishment showcased ISRO’s efficiency in space technology and positioned India as a major player in space exploration.
Information Booster:
● The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched by ISRO on November 5, 2013, and successfully entered Mars orbit on September 24, 2014. ● The mission cost was approximately $74 million, much lower than similar missions conducted by other space agencies. ● Mangalyaan’s success made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the fourth space agency in the world to do so, after NASA, the Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency. ● The mission objectives included studying Mars’ surface features, morphology, atmosphere, and mineral composition. ● ISRO’s cost-effective approach involved innovative engineering, repurposing existing technology, and efficient mission planning. ● Mangalyaan’s success brought global recognition to ISRO for its ability to execute high-impact missions on a limited budget.
Additional Knowledge:
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(a) ISRO: The correct answer; ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission was the cheapest successful Mars mission.
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(b) NASA: Incorrect; although NASA has conducted Mars missions, they were more expensive than Mangalyaan.
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(c) Roscosmos: Incorrect; the Russian space agency has undertaken Mars missions, but they were not as cost-effective as ISRO’s.
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(d) JAXA: Incorrect; Japan’s JAXA has not conducted a Mars mission as cost-effective as Mangalyaan.