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Updated: 25 August 2023 |
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made significant strides in the field of science and technology. One of its notable achievements is the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which aims to demonstrate India’s capabilities in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. This mission follows the previous endeavor, Chandrayaan-2, which unfortunately did not achieve a soft landing. However, with the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, ISRO is determined to succeed with Chandrayaan-3 and further strengthen India’s prowess in space exploration and innovation.
Understanding the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission was launched on 14th July 2023 using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3). This new launch vehicle of ISRO has the capability to place modules into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in a cost-effective manner. It consists of a three-stage launch vehicle with two solid strap stages and one core liquid stage.
The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are to achieve a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, conduct roving on the Moon, and perform in-situ scientific experiments. By accomplishing these goals, India aims to strengthen its knowledge and understanding of the Moon while paving the way for future missions and advancements in space exploration.
Components of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission comprises two modules: the Propulsion Module (PM) and the Lander Module (LM). The total mass of both modules is 3900 kg, with the Propulsion Module weighing 2148 kg and the Lander Module, including the Rover, weighing 1752 kg.
Propulsion Module
The Propulsion Module plays a crucial role in carrying the Lander and Rover configuration to the lunar orbit. Additionally, it carries a scientific payload called Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE). The SHAPE payload is designed to conduct spectro-polarimetric studies of Earth from lunar orbit, aiming to identify smaller planets that could potentially be habitable based on reflected light.
Lander Module
The Lander Module consists of two main components: the Lander, named Vikram, and the Rover, named Pragyan. The Lander Module is responsible for the soft landing on the lunar surface using the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). This sequence involves the Lander starting its engine (thrusters) and maneuvering the speed, direction, and landing site position.
Once the soft landing is achieved, the Rover inside the Lander, Pragyan, will descend onto the lunar surface to conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface. The Lander and Rover have a combined mission lifespan of 14 Earth days, during which they will carry out various scientific experiments and investigations.
Scientific Payloads and Objectives
Both the Lander Module and Rover carry scientific payloads to conduct experiments and gather data on the lunar surface. The scientific payloads onboard the Chandrayaan-3 Mission include:
Lander Payloads
- Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): This payload aims to measure the plasma density fluctuations near the lunar surface.
- Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE): ChaSTE is designed to carry out thermal studies of the moon’s frigid polar zones, providing insights into the temperature characteristics of these regions.
- Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): ILSA’s objective is to measure seismic activity on the Moon, revealing information about the lunar crust-mantle configuration.
- LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA): The LRA payload is intended to understand the dynamics of the Moon system through the study of laser reflections.
Rover Payloads
- Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): The APXS payload will determine the chemical composition and mineral attributes of the lunar soil and rocks through the analysis of alpha particles and X-rays.
- LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): LIBS is designed to analyze the elemental constitution of the lunar surface, providing valuable insights into lunar geology.
By utilizing these scientific payloads, the Chandrayaan-3 Mission aims to gather crucial data and expand our understanding of the Moon’s geology, resources, seismic activity, and atmosphere.
Timeline of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission has followed a carefully planned timeline to ensure its success. Here are the key milestones:
- Launch: The mission was launched on 14th July 2023.
- Lunar Orbit Insertion: The spacecraft was inserted into lunar orbit on 5th August 2023.
- Separation of Lander Module: The Lander Module separated from the Propulsion Module on 17th August 2023.
- First Deboosting: On 18th August 2023, the spacecraft underwent the first deboosting maneuver, slowing down its speed in preparation for landing.
- Second Deboosting: The second deboosting maneuver took place on 20th August 2023.
- Soft Landing: The historic soft landing on the lunar surface was achieved on 23rd August 2023. The landing site was located at approximately 69.36°S and 32.34°E, between the Manzinus C and Simpelius N craters.
- Rover Exploration: The Rover began its exploration of the lunar surface on 24th August 2023.
Advancements in Chandrayaan 3 compared to Chandrayaan 2
Learning from the challenges faced during Chandrayaan-2, ISRO has incorporated several advancements in the Chandrayaan-3 Mission to enhance the chances of success. Here are some key differentiators:
- Failure-based design: The design of Chandrayaan-3 focuses on failure scenarios, ensuring that even in the event of multiple failures, the Lander can still achieve a soft landing. This approach involves identifying and rectifying potential issues that could arise during the mission.
- Increase in landing area: The targeted landing area for Chandrayaan-3 is significantly larger than that of Chandrayaan-2. By providing the Lander with more options, it can autonomously choose the best landing site.
- More fuel to Lander: Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with additional fuel reserves, enabling the Lander to travel longer distances to the primary landing site and alternate landing sites if necessary.
- Utilization of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter: Instead of carrying a separate orbiter, Chandrayaan-3 leverages the high-resolution images captured by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. This collaboration allows for cost-effective utilization of resources.
- More robust integrated craft: The payload weight of Chandrayaan-3 has been increased compared to Chandrayaan-2. The Lander has been designed to withstand higher velocities, and the legs have been made sturdier to ensure a successful landing. Additional solar panels have been incorporated to ensure power generation even in unfavorable lunar weather conditions.
Chandrayaan 3 vs. Luna-25: A Comparison
While India’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission aims to achieve a successful soft landing on the lunar surface, another mission, Luna-25, undertaken by Russia, recently faced a crash during its landing attempt. Here are the key differences between Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25:
| Factors | Luna-25 | Chandrayaan-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time (to reach lunar orbit) | 6 days | 23 days |
| Path of the trajectory | Direct | More circuitous route |
| Payload weight | 1,750 kg | 3900 kg |
| Rover | Absent | Pragyan (Rover) |
| Mission life | 1 year | 14 days (1 lunar day) |
| Power for the Mission (post landing) | Nuclear radioisotopes and Solar energy | Solar panel |
These differences highlight the contrasting approaches and objectives of the two missions. While Luna-25 aimed to explore the South Pole of the Moon for potential water resources, Chandrayaan-3 focuses on achieving a soft landing and conducting in-depth scientific research.
Significance of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission holds immense significance for India and the global space community. Its accomplishments and objectives have far-reaching implications:
Future lunar exploration
Chandrayaan-3 is a crucial step towards establishing a human presence on the Moon. By demonstrating the ability to successfully land and conduct experiments, India can contribute to future lunar missions and collaborations with other space agencies, such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4.
Advancing space education
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission aims to inspire the scientific community and future generations of space enthusiasts. By showcasing India’s achievements in space exploration, the mission can help foster scientific temper and promote space education in the country.
Lunar surface exploration
Building upon the data gathered by Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 aims to provide further insights into the Moon’s landscape, minerals, and potential water resources. The mission’s focus on the lunar south pole, in particular, has the potential to uncover valuable information about underground features and mineral composition, enhancing our understanding of lunar geology.
Scientific discoveries
The scientific payloads onboard Chandrayaan-3 will contribute to a deeper understanding of the Moon’s seismic activity, thermal traits, and surface composition. By studying moonquakes, thermal characteristics, and elemental constitution, the mission will provide valuable insights into the Moon’s interior workings and broader cosmic understanding.
Boosting private investment
India’s successful space missions, including Chandrayaan-3, have positioned the country’s aerospace technology sector as an attractive investment opportunity. The mission’s achievements can drive increased investor confidence and attract more private investment in aerospace technology projects, leading to further advancements and economic growth.
Job creation
India’s growing aerospace technology sector has already created numerous job opportunities. Successful lunar missions like Chandrayaan-3, along with subsequent programs, will generate additional high-tech jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to employment growth and skill development.
Nurturing startups
The success of Chandrayaan-3 can serve as a technology showcase, enhancing India’s reputation and goodwill in the global space community. This can attract joint ventures and business opportunities for Indian companies and startups to develop space systems for the global market, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening international reputation
By successfully landing on the Moon, India will become the fourth country to achieve this feat, garnering global recognition for its space capabilities. This achievement can pave the way for fruitful international collaborations and cooperation, positioning India as an important player in the international space race.
Strategic positioning
Chandrayaan-3’s success can elevate India’s strategic positioning in the space sector, potentially matching the influence of countries like China. With Russia facing economic sanctions, India has an opportunity to strengthen its position and contribute to global space initiatives such as the Artemis Accords.
Way Forward
As India continues to advance its space program through missions like Chandrayaan-3, strategic planning and policies are essential to sustain progress. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Lunar Economy Vision: Aligning with the global goal of a “lunar economy,” India should actively participate in fostering economic benefits and developing space exploration technologies.
- Prospects for Deep Space Missions: Leveraging the Moon’s gravity and atmosphere can enable low-cost space launches and the utilization of lunar resources for interplanetary missions.
- Navigating Orbital Uncertainty: Collaborating with international space debris coordination committees and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for safe navigation in the evolving lunar and cislunar environment.
- Advancing Space Policies: Continuously enhancing space policies, encouraging private investments, and promoting research and innovation will drive the growth of India’s space sector.
- Transition to Sustainability: Implementing advanced technologies, materials, and safety protocols in future missions will ensure higher success rates and cost-efficiency.
Chandrayaan-3 marks a significant milestone in global lunar exploration efforts and reflects India’s commitment to establishing a sustainable lunar presence. By nurturing talent, encouraging private participation, and exploring new possibilities, India can unlock major economic benefits and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of space exploration.