Solar system studies have seen a remarkable growth in the last few decades, due to advances in space technology, observational capabilities and computational technologies. This has enhanced our knowledge and understanding of the diversity of complex processes across the Solar system. It is quite interesting to find clues as to how the planetary systems might have originated and evolved, and how they are different and similar to each other.

Venus is often described as the "twin sister" of the Earth because of the similarities in size, mass, density, bulk composition and gravity. It is believed that both planets share a common origin, forming at the same time out of a condensing nebulosity around 4.5 billion years ago. Venus is around 30% closer to the sun as compared to Earth resulting in much higher solar flux. Exploration of Venus began in the early 1960s. Venus has been explored by flyby, orbiter, a few lander missions and atmospheric probes. In spite of great progress made in exploring Venus, there still exist gaps in our basic understanding about surface/sub-surface features and processes, super rotation of Venusian atmosphere and its evolution and interaction with solar radiation/solar wind.

In this context, proposals are solicited from interested scientists within India for novel space based experiments. This Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is addressed to all institutions in India. Those sending proposals may be currently involved in planetary exploration studies / the development of science instruments for space / willing to develop the experiments. The Principal Investigator of the proposal should (i) provide necessary details of the instrument which can address the scientific problems and (ii) be capable of bringing together the instrument team and lead the team for developing a space qualified instrument.

The payload capability of the proposed satellite is likely to be 175 kg with 500W of power. However these values are to be tuned based on the final configuration. The proposed orbit is expected to be around 500 x 60,000 km around Venus. This orbit is likely to be reduced gradually, over several months to a lower apoapsis.

The Proposal is to be submitted through the head of institution (send the advance copy in word and the signed pdf copy by speed post/email) to :

Programme Director,

Space Science Programme Office,

ISRO HQ, Antariksh Bhavan,

New BEL Road,

Bangalore-560231

Email: sspo@isro.gov.in

The last date for receiving the proposal is extended to May 31, 2017.

Format for submitting the proposal

Executive Summary of the proposal (two pages) Scientific Objectives Detailed scientific justification including expected results and significance compared to previous and contemporary missions Mass, power, volume requirements of the experiment Any other special requirements from the spacecraft Detailed PERT chart and time schedule for completion of Laboratory Model / Verification model, which should have the same design and approximately same size as flight model. In addition, indicate the time duration required for development, testing and calibration of Qualification Model (Should be identical in Mass, Volume and Design as Flight Model and should undergo all environmental tests) and Flight Model from T0, assuming T0 being the date of approval for the project proposal. Calibration procedures for the experiment and plans for data processing, analysis, software pipeline. Available facility at your institute/ laboratory for the development and calibration of the payload Scientific and Engineering team proposed to be involved and their expertise and achievements in the related field. Year-wise budget requirements A summary table as given below in annexure -1

In order to identify the most optimum suite of experiments, the proposers will be requested to make a presentation to a review committee as and when required. The final selected proposals will incorporate any suggestions made by the review committee.

Click here for Annexure -1