India is ready to stretch its planetary probe capabilities by clearing the Venus Orbiter Mission. Carrying a price tag of Rs 1,236 crore ($149 million), the VOM is expected to take off in March 2028 to study the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface of Venus with a view to knowing how the planet was transformed from that which is considered Earth-like to an extreme climate planet. By studying Venus, scientists will gain insight into the evolutionary pathways of both these planets.

This Cabinet has cleared the development of India's first Bharatiya Antariksh Station, BAS-1, marking a step forward in the ambitious plans for a space station from the country. The project will significantly broaden the extent of the Gaganyaan program, which now also encompasses eight missions that should be completed by December 2028. Heavy funding at Rs 20,193 crore, alongside an additional Rs 11,170 crore for its new purposes puts India firmly on the path to becoming one of the leaders in space exploration in the coming decades.