ISRO seeks proposals from Indian scientists to study, analyse archival data related to past Venus missions

Last year, the Indian Cabinet had approved the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), which will be a step towards the government’s vision of exploring and studying Venus, beyond the Moon and Mars.

Speaking on the AO call, ISRO said in a statement: "In order to promote, strengthen and to increase the scientific user community for the Venus Orbiter Mission, ISRO invites researchers through the AO call for promoting the analysis and modelling of archival data available for the planet Venus."

Novel research proposals are invited under the following research areas of interest

Venusian Morphology, topography and sub-surface studies

Geological mapping, mineralogy and surface composition of Venus

Venusian atmosphere structure, dynamics and composition

Venusian Ionosphere and solar wind interaction

Modelling of Venusian Atmospheres and Ionospheres

Who can submit a proposal?

Proposals could be submitted by individuals or a group of scientists and academicians belonging to national institutions, Universities, Colleges, planetaria and government organizations of India.

Only those having a minimum remaining service of four years before superannuation are eligible to lead the project as PI.

The proposals must be forwarded through the Head of the Institutions, with appropriate assurance for providing necessary facilities for carrying out the project under this AO programme.

Project duration

It is expected that project to be completed within 3 years.