Chandrayaan-3: India’s Next Lunar Odyssey Explored

In the vast realm of space exploration, India’s space agency, ISRO, continues to make its mark with Chandrayaan-3, a remarkable Moon lander and rover mission. This mission holds the promise of deepening our understanding of the lunar surface, and its significance is underscored by its ambitious goals and advanced scientific instruments.

Unveiling Chandrayaan-3: India’s Lunar Endeavor

Chandrayaan-3 represents ISRO’s third lunar expedition, aimed at deploying a lander and rover on the Moon’s surface. The mission’s primary objective is to operate these instruments for approximately one lunar day, which equates to about 14 Earth days. The lander carries a compact rover weighing a mere 26 kilograms (57 pounds), both equipped with a suite of scientific instruments meticulously designed for surface analysis.

Evolution from Chandrayaan-2

The design of the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover closely mirrors that of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. This mission, launched in July 2019, saw the Vikram lander successfully maneuver within 5 kilometers of the Moon’s surface. Unfortunately, a software glitch diverted its course, leading to a loss of communication with the spacecraft. However, this mission was not without its successes; the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to provide valuable insights about the Moon, including scanning for water ice.

Learning from Setbacks: Chandrayaan-3’s Upgrades

ISRO has diligently addressed the challenges that impacted Chandrayaan-2. The lander’s software has been upgraded, and rigorous testing has been conducted to ensure the success of Chandrayaan-3. Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 does not feature an orbiter. However, the propulsion module responsible for transporting the lander to lunar orbit is equipped with a scientific instrument designed to observe Earth, contributing to future exoplanet studies.

The Path to the Moon’s Surface

Chandrayaan-3’s journey to the Moon’s surface spans approximately 40 days. The mission commenced on July 14 with the launch of India’s LVM3 rocket, known for its capacity to lift about 8 metric tons into low-Earth orbit. Following liftoff, the spacecraft and an attached propulsion module were placed in an elongated Earth orbit. The propulsion module then executed several orbit-raising maneuvers before transitioning to lunar orbit.

Upon reaching the Moon, the propulsion module will facilitate the descent of Chandrayaan-3, ultimately leading to a controlled landing in the Moon’s south polar region. The anticipated moment of contact will involve vertical movement of less than 2 meters per second and horizontal movement of 0.5 meters per second.

Chandrayaan-3’s Mission Objectives

The success of Chandrayaan-3 is poised to be a monumental achievement for ISRO, placing India in the select group of nations with lunar landing capabilities. Beyond this achievement, the mission harbors a wealth of scientific and technological goals.

The lander’s side panel will unfold post-landing, enabling the rover to descend onto the lunar surface. Powered by solar energy, the rover will embark on a two-week exploration of its surroundings, with the caveat that it cannot endure the frigid lunar night. Communication will occur through the lander, which, in turn, will communicate directly with Earth. The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter also serves as a potential backup communications relay.

Instruments at Play

The rover and lander are equipped with a range of scientific payloads designed to unravel lunar mysteries:

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): Identifies chemical and mineralogical composition of the surface.

Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): Determines elemental composition, including elements like magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and more.

Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): Monitors changes in the local gas and plasma environment.

Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE): Explores the thermal properties of the lunar surface.

Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): Measures seismic activity to understand subsurface crust and mantle.

Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA): Provided by NASA, aids lunar ranging studies, measuring distances using reflected laser signals.

A Glimpse into the Future

Chandrayaan-3 exemplifies ISRO’s unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of space. As the spacecraft takes its place on the lunar surface, it carries the hopes and aspirations of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. With its advanced instruments and upgraded systems, Chandrayaan-3 promises to expand our understanding of the Moon’s surface and pave the way for future space exploration endeavors.

Unveiling the Mysteries Beyond

As Chandrayaan-3 prepares to touch down on the Moon’s surface, the journey of exploration and discovery is poised to begin. The mission represents a leap forward in India’s space endeavors, marking a significant step toward unlocking the secrets of our celestial neighbor. With its suite of scientific instruments and upgraded systems, Chandrayaan-3 is set to leave an indelible mark on the annals of space exploration.

FAQs

Q1: When did Chandrayaan-3 launch?

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14, embarking on its lunar odyssey.

Q2: What are the goals of Chandrayaan-3?

Chandrayaan-3 aims to deploy a lander and rover on the Moon’s surface for scientific analysis and exploration.

Q3: How does Chandrayaan-3 differ from Chandrayaan-2?

Unlike Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 does not feature an orbiter. It focuses solely on the lander and rover mission.

Q4: What scientific instruments does the rover carry?

The rover is equipped with instruments like LIBS and APXS for chemical and elemental analysis of the lunar surface.

Q5: What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3’s landing site?

Chandrayaan-3’s prime landing site lies in the Moon’s south polar region, a location of particular scientific interest.

source – click here

for more articels click here