India going to Venus, Mars. Exploring an asteroid on the agenda: ISRO

After the successful Mars Orbiter Mission and the launch of five British satellites in the heaviest ever mission, India is now gearing up for a possible 'deep space exploration' mission to Venus, Mars and an asteroid too.

This would be the second mission to Mars. Apart from this, a trip to Venus and an asteroid is planned too.

ISRO Chairman's statement

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, Kiran Kumar said that a project is still to be formulated for this plan before something goes on the floors.

"Venus is our neighbour and has many scientific challenges and aspects that need to be studied. Exploring an asteroid is also challenging task'', he further added.

Indo-US ties

The revamped ties between India and the United States could be held responsible for this endeavor. Indications are that the United States' NASA and ISRO would be working together on this mission.

While speaking to the students of Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India took everyone by surprise by saying that "We look forward to path-breaking work between NASA and ISRO on deep space exploration to Mars and beyond".

India would be the fourth nation after US, Russia and European Space Agency (ESA), who have sent successful mission to Venus.