Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)

India’s first mission to Mars.

Mars on the First Attempt

The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) made India the first country to successfully enter Mars orbit on its very first try. It was designed as a technology demonstrator with a small set of science instruments, delivered on a remarkably low budget compared to other Mars missions.

  • 🚀 Launch vehicle: PSLV‑XL
  • 📅 Launch: 5 November 2013
  • 🪐 Mars orbit insertion: 24 September 2014
  • 🎯 Mission type: Mars orbiter (technology + science).
Science & Imagery

Mangalyaan studied Martian atmosphere, surface features and captured full‑disk colour images that became iconic representations of the Red Planet in Indian media.

Key Instruments

  • Color camera for full‑disk and regional imaging.
  • Lyman‑Alpha photometer to study hydrogen escape.
  • Methane sensor to look for trace methane signatures.
  • Thermal and composition‑related payloads for upper‑atmosphere studies.

Mission Highlights

Documentary‑style explainers on how Mangalyaan reached and operated in Mars orbit.