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As India's biggest space mission prepares to enter the Martian orbit, here are some
important facts about the Mars Orbiter Mission

1.
After Mars, it's China for India, Kathakali for Isro chief
After the Mars mission, the Indian space agency will work together with Chinese space
scientists to prepare a roadmap for a series of missions to be implemented together. Isro
chief's K Radhakrishnan's tenure will come to an end by the time of 2014. The first three
months of 2015 might see Radhakrishnan practice Kathakali.

2.
US space agency Nasa was one of the first to congratulate Isro on its
success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a congratulatory speech
highlighting the success and hardwork of the Isro scientists.

3.
Programme details
Cost: Rs 450 crore
Mission: To orbit around mars
Weight: 1,350 kg (mass at lift off)

4.
Payloads on orbiter:
There are 5 scientific payloads on MOM:

The Methane Sensor for MARS (MSM)

Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)

MENCA; 

MARS Colour Camera (MCC)

TIR imaging spectrometer (TIS)

5.
Important dates
November 5, 2013: Isro launched MOM on the trusted PSLV platform, in its 25th flight, from
Sriharikota.

February 11, 2014: MOM completed 100 days in space.

April 9, 2014: MOM completes half the journey of the 299 days.

September 22, 2014: The main liquid engine was re-fired after the December 1, 2013
operation for the first time in 10 months, overcoming a great technological challenge.

September 24, 2014: It will be in the Martian orbit if all goes well.