Is there life on Mars? The Indian Space Research Organisation plans find this out by sending Mars Mission in 2013, which will focus on life, climate and geology of the red planet. It will also conduct research on the origin, evolution and sustainability of life on Mars. Mission Mars precedes the second phase of the Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-2.
According to the latest annual report of Isro, the space body has submitted the proposal for Mission Mars to the Central government for approval. Isro has already shortlisted the scientific payloads that could be sent to Mars to unravel the secrets hidden there. Mars has always been considered an auspicious planet. The Mangal graha, as Mars is known in Sanskrit, plays a crucial role in Indian astrology.
Isro also plans three earth observation satellites, three communication and navigation satellites and six launch vehicles during 2012-13. Isro is currently having a constellation of eight communication satellites, two meteorological satellites, 10 earth observation satellites and one science satellite.
The Isro report said the S200 solid booster for GSLV Mark III, the heaviest built so far by Isro, has undergone static test successfully. Referring to communication satellite programme for the current financial year, the Isro report said the S200 solid booster for GSLV Mark III, the heaviest built so far by Isro, has undergone static test successfully. The 110-ton liquid core stage of GSLV Mark III has also been successfully static tested for the full flight duration.