ISRO Invites Indian Scientists to Explore Venus with Archival Data Research Opportunity

Venus is a very interesting planet,” said the ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath. “Studying its thick atmosphere and surface will help us understand planetary evolution better, and we invite India’s best young scientists to join us on this exciting journey.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued an exciting Announcement of Opportunity (AO) inviting proposals from the Indian scientific community to use archival data for novel research in support of the forthcoming Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). This is a major leap in India's space exploration plans as the VOM, due for launch in March 2028, is intended to study the planet Venus– the planet that's often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of many similarities but the dramatic differences. 

Why is This An Important Opportunity for Students and Researchers?

For students, young scientists and academic communities interested in planetary science, atmospheric studies and space technology, this AO offers a unique opportunity to become involved in-depth with the advanced planetary studies without the wait for new data. By using existing archival datasets on the morphology, atmosphere, ionosphere and solar interactions of Venus, aspiring researchers can add important insights that will inform the mission's scientific discoveries.

ISRO welcomes proposals from across India from university, national research, colleges and Government organizations. The selected projects will be funded for up to three years, including for computational facilities, research staffing and dissemination activities. Proposals need to be submitted by November 15, 2025, giving teams plenty of time to get prepared with their pioneering research plans.

What Research Areas Invited?

ISRO focuses on five main areas of research:

1. Venusian morphology and surface studies: investigation of geological and topographical features.
2. Geological mapping and mineralogy: comprehending composition at the surface
3. Atmospheric structure and composition: investigation of the dense Venusian atmosphere.
4. Ionosphere and solar wind interaction: studying the dynamics of charged particles.
5. Atmospheric and ionospheric modeling: modeling the environment of Venus.

Through these multidisciplinary disciplines, researchers can investigate critical questions about planetary evolution, atmospheric chemistry and planetary weather systems that differ starkly from Earth's. 

How can students prepare and get involved? 

Foster Interdisciplinary Skills

The AO emphasizes collaboration among geology, chemistry, physics, and data science. Students are encouraged to take classes and research projects in remote sensing, reconnaissance radar image analysis, and space instrumentation.

Use Existing Data

This is one of the few opportunities to tap into archival Venus data from past missions. Experience with big data tools and software for analysis of space science data is a plus.

Build Research Teams

Students can form research teams with senior scientists and faculty to submit joint proposals to become mentored and gain experience in funded planetary research.

Participate in Upcoming Workshops and Seminars

ISRO will conduct workshops throughout the duration of the AO project to disseminate results and promote community learning - ideal opportunities for students to network and share results.

Why is this a Milestone?

The Venus Orbiter Mission is a testament to India's growing presence in the field of space science. By understanding the solar-planetary particle interactions, the mission promises valuable cross-planetary comparisons that will help explain why Venus and Earth have evolved so differently, and also why Venus's atmosphere has become so inhospitable.

For Indian students and researchers, involvement in these preparatory AO research exchanges provides exposure to frontier science, encourages innovation, and places them at the center of planetary exploration activities worldwide.

Deadline to submit proposals: November 15, 2025

More info and proposal instructions: ISRO Venus AO official page 

This announcement by ISRO is a calling! Because this Announcement of Opportunity represents a transformative opportunity for Indian students and researchers to work on a pioneering planetary mission. Participating in this project will not only contribute to ground-breaking scientific discoveries, but also to invaluable experience, mentorship and career advancement opportunities in line with India's rising stature in global space exploration.

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