MOM---SECOND LAUNCH ANNIV.

Mumbai: Last week the nation celebrated the second anniv of the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which was on November 5, 2013.

To mark the historic event a technical meet called ``Challenges and Rewarding Year Of MOM Around the Red Planet,'' was organised at Isro's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network in Bengalaru on November 5, 2015.

During the meet there was a presentation on the science results from the five MOM payloads and plans for joint studies with international missions.

According to Isro, the Mars Color Camera on board the spacecraft has acquired more than 440 images and achieved its goals.

About the other four payloads, Isro has stated that they are producing good results. For example, data from the Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA) will be consolidated for a publication. The results are also being compared, where possible, with data from Nasa's Maven mission to Mars.

Analysis of data from the Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS), the Lyman Alpha Photometer and the Methane Sensor For Mars (MSM) is also in progress.

Info from TIS indicates that there were variations in temperature during Martian dust storms. The Lyman Alpha Photometer has completed 80 operations. Dust patterns around high altitude regions were also studied.

The participants also debated future mission plans which included imaging of the Martian satellite, Deimos, and photographing the North Pole of the Red Planet and various other specific targets of Mars. Right now we are also eagerly awaiting the results from the Methane Sensor For Mars. Any speculation by experts about the possible results at this stage is perhaps not advisable.

The second launch anniv also saw the release of the book, ``From Fishing Hamlet to Red Planet,'' which traces the history of India's space programme thru the eyes of several space veterans who have played a major role in launching India into the space age. I checked with Harper Collins today, the publishers, and was told that the book will hit bookstores in late December or early January. Sure, I am impatient for it! The e-version of the book is available in the Isro website for free download. But, nothing like reading the hard copy. Not many are comfortable with e-books.

And tonite folks I will seeing the super docu ``Mangalyaan--India's Mission To Mars,'' in the National Geographic Channel for the third time. Will be seeing it again on Sunday. Will never never get bored ot it----never!!!!! I hope it is uploaded on Youtube soon.