India to launch Orbiter to Mars next week

Methane, which also can be produced by non-biological processes, was first detected in the Martian atmosphere a decade ago.
 
But recent measurements made by NASA's Mars rover, Curiosity, show only trace amounts of methane, a puzzling finding since the gas should last about 200 years on Mars.
 
India's Mars Orbiter Mission also will study Martian surface features and mineral composition.
 
Meanwhile, Seshagiri said that the satellite was expected to travel for 270 days.