On November 5, 2013, India made history by launching its first mission to Mars. The mission was launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the space agency responsible for all of India's space exploration efforts. The mission, called Mangalyaan, is meant to study the Martian atmosphere and surface in order to gain a better understanding of the red planet.

Mangalyaan was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C25 rocket. The rocket was carrying a total of 1,350 kilograms of payload, including various scientific instruments. After a successful launch, the spacecraft spent the next few weeks maneuvering into its proper trajectory and orientation before finally reaching its target destination in September 2014.

The mission has been a major success for ISRO and the country of India. Its launch marked the first time an Asian nation had sent a mission to another planet. It is also the least expensive interplanetary mission in history, costing only $74 million.

Mangalyaan is equipped with five scientific instruments: a Mars Colour Camera, a Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, a Lyman Alpha Photometer, a Methane Sensor for Mars and a Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer. These instruments are designed to study the Martian atmosphere, surface and environment in order to gain a better understanding of the planet.

The mission has yielded numerous scientific discoveries, such as the detection of methane in the Martian atmosphere, evidence of water ice near the Martian poles, and the presence of minerals such as silicates, carbonates, sulfates, and clays. These discoveries are helping scientists better understand the history and evolution of Mars.

The mission has also been a major milestone for India in terms of its space exploration efforts. It has demonstrated the country's capability to design, build, and launch a successful interplanetary mission. This success is encouraging India to pursue more ambitious missions in the future.

Today, Mangalyaan continues to orbit Mars and collect data about the planet. It is expected to continue its mission until at least 2022, when its fuel supply is expected to be exhausted. This mission will be a source of pride and inspiration for India for many years to come.