Cheer India to Mars and win collectibles: ISRO

Chennai: Cheer India to Mars on Indian space agency's Facebook page and win exclusive collectibles, said ISRO Saturday.

With India's ambitious Mars Orbiter Mission on a crucial phase, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on its Facebook page has announced prizes for interesting comments and videos that shows their love for MOM- Mars Orbiter Mission.

The contest, open till Sep 23, is only for Indian nationals and the number of likes a comment gets is a major criteria for winning the prize.

ISRO said exclusive collectibles will be posted to the winners.

Meanwhile ISRO is gearing up for the crucial operation Sep 24 when the MOM will be inserted in the Mars orbit.

On Sep 19, major sensors and electrical subsystems required for Mars Orbit Insertion and their back-up counterparts were powered on, it said.

On Sep 24, the manoeuvring of the spacecraft will begin around 7.30 a.m. The spacecraft's speed will be reduced from the current velocity so that the Mars Orbiter enters the Mars orbit.

Of the total Rs.450 crore budget on the project, India has spent Rs.349 crore on its Mars mission as on March 31.

The Mars Orbiter was launched Nov 5, 2013.