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The Chandrayaan missions are a series of Indian space exploration endeavors aimed at studying the Moon’s surface and gathering data about its geological, mineralogical, and topographical characteristics. The term “Chandrayaan” translates to “Mooncraft” in Sanskrit. The Series Includes, Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
History of Chandrayaan Mission Backing Chandrayaan-3
Here’s an overview of the history of Chandrayaan missions:
Chandrayaan-1:
- Launch Date: October 22, 2008
- Space Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe and marked the beginning of the Chandrayaan mission series.
- The mission’s primary objective was to create a detailed three-dimensional atlas of the Moon’s surface, study its mineral composition, and search for water molecules on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-1 confirmed the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface and discovered traces of hydroxyl and water-ice molecules in the polar regions.
- The mission was initially planned to last for two years but ended prematurely in August 2009 due to communication loss.
Chandrayaan-2:
- Launch Date: July 22, 2019
- Space Agency: ISRO
- Chandrayaan-2 was a more complex mission, consisting of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan.
- The orbiter was designed to study the Moon’s surface and atmosphere, while the lander and rover were meant to explore the lunar surface in the South Polar region.
- Unfortunately, the Vikram lander lost communication during its descent, leading to the loss of the rover’s functionality. However, the orbiter continues to successfully study the Moon from its orbit.
- Despite the partial success of the mission, Chandrayaan-2 marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration program.
Chandrayaan-3 – Historic Moon Landing Mission at South Pole
India’s Space Agency Nears Historic Moon Landing Mission at South Pole: Implications for Space Power Status and Lunar Exploration
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched on July 14 from India’s primary spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, is swiftly approaching its attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon’s south pole. This undertaking holds significance not only for India’s positioning as a prominent space power but also for the prospect of future lunar exploration.
Since its launch, Chandrayaan-3 has followed an intricate trajectory, traversing increasingly extensive orbits around Earth before transitioning to a lunar orbit. This mission has gained substantial attention as a source of national pride and international intrigue, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s unsuccessful endeavor to achieve a south pole moon landing.
The Mission
With its sights set on the lunar south pole, Chandrayaan-3 embarks on a mission with profound implications. The presence of water ice in this region presents a tantalizing opportunity, offering a potential source of oxygen, fuel, and water for forthcoming lunar expeditions and the potential establishment of a more permanent moon settlement.
Upon a successful landing, Chandrayaan-3’s operational tenure is projected to span two weeks. During this timeframe, it will execute a series of experiments, most notably deploying a spectrometer to conduct a meticulous analysis of the lunar surface’s mineral composition.
Standing at approximately 2 meters in height and weighing just over 1,700 kg (3,747.86 lb) – akin to the dimensions of an SUV – the Chandrayaan-3 lander is uniquely equipped for its mission. One of its notable features is the capacity to release a compact lunar rover weighing 26 kg.
Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, expressed a sense of anticipation regarding the insights to be gleaned from the Indian mission. His sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit and shared enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge in the realm of space exploration.
Challenges and Adjustments in the Pursuit of Lunar South Pole Landing
India’s previous endeavor to achieve a lunar south pole landing faced adversity in 2019, encountering an unfortunate outcome. While Chandrayaan-2 did successfully deploy an orbiter, its lander and rover met their end in a crash near the vicinity where the Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to achieve a successful touchdown.
The lunar south pole presents unique challenges, including rugged terrain that complicates landing operations. In light of lessons learned from past missions, ISRO scientists have diligently made adaptations to enhance the probability of a successful landing for Chandrayaan-3. Noteworthy adjustments include the implementation of a system to expand the potential landing area. Furthermore, the lander’s resilience has been fortified with additional fuel and sturdier landing legs designed to withstand impact.
While Russia recently faced a setback in its moon mission with the crash of the Luna-25 spacecraft, the determination to conquer lunar exploration endures. Even private ventures, such as the Japanese space startup ispace (9348.T), grapple with the inherent complexities of lunar landings, as demonstrated by their unsuccessful attempt in April.
The pursuit of lunar exploration remains a challenging yet vital endeavor, driving scientific curiosity and technological advancement in the realm of space exploration.
India’s Lunar Triumph: Paving the Way for Space Power Status and Private Ventures
A triumphant achievement in the upcoming mission would etch India’s name as the fourth nation in history to achieve a successful lunar landing, joining the ranks of the former USSR, the United States, and China. This milestone holds profound significance as it would signify India’s ascent as a formidable space power—a remarkable feat that coincides with impending national elections.
The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions not only the consolidation of India’s space prowess but also the stimulation of investments in private space launches and satellite-based enterprises. With an ambitious goal in mind, the administration is fervently aiming to propel India’s private space enterprises to amplify their share of the global launch market by an impressive fivefold within the next decade.
As the moon mission sets the stage for a watershed moment, Prime Minister Modi eloquently stated that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is crafting an entirely new chapter in the nation’s space odyssey. This endeavor serves to elevate the aspirations and aspirations of every Indian, encapsulating a shared dream that transcends boundaries.
ISRO’s meticulously orchestrated mission is poised to be shared with the world. The planned landing’s telecast is set to commence at 17:20 IST (11:50 GMT) on Wednesday. The anticipation surrounding this event is a testament to the collaborative spirit of exploration and innovation that fuels the heart of India’s space journey.
Current Status: Chandrayaan-3 Lander Successfully Establishes Communication with Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter
The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, a pivotal element in the mission, not only contributed to identifying a secure landing site for Chandrayaan-3 but has also transitioned into a role as a communication conduit between the Chandrayaan-3 lander and ground stations.
In anticipation of its upcoming lunar landing on Wednesday, the Chandrayaan-3 lander module achieved a significant milestone by establishing contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter. This connection establishes an additional channel of communication with Earth. A heartwarming exchange transpired as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that the orbiter greeted the lander with the heartfelt message “welcome, buddy.”
ISRO further unveiled captivating images captured by the Chandrayaan-3 lander on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the lunar far side area. These images were taken using the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC), a technology developed by ISRO at the Space Applications Centre (SAC). This sophisticated camera contributes to the safe selection of landing zones, ensuring they are devoid of obstacles like boulders or treacherous trenches during the descent.
Why Communication Between Chandrayaan-3 Lander and Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter Important
While Chandrayaan-2’s intended lunar landing encountered challenges, its orbiter remained steadfast and fulfilled its mission objectives. For the past four years, the orbiter has diligently maintained its lunar orbit, functioning as designed and conducting experiments as envisioned. A testament to its resilience, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has proven its enduring value in space exploration.
Significantly, the orbiter’s journey doesn’t conclude with its individual mission. Instead, it plays an integral role in supporting the Chandrayaan-3 mission in multiple capacities. One of its pivotal contributions was the identification of a secure landing site for Chandrayaan-3, a crucial factor in ensuring the success of the forthcoming lunar endeavor.
Presently, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter stands poised to enable vital communications between the Chandrayaan-3 lander and ground stations. The mission’s communication network has been strategically designed, with the lander transmitting data to the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which then relays it to ISRO’s ground stations. This intricate web ensures seamless flow of information, facilitating a robust and effective collaboration.
Should any unforeseen circumstances arise affecting the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter’s functionality, the Chandrayaan-3 lander possesses the capability to directly communicate with Earth. This contingency underscores the mission’s adaptability and the strategic measures in place to ensure its success.
In a recent public interaction, ISRO Chairman S Somanath highlighted the seamless cooperation between the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and Chandrayaan-3 lander. He emphasized that if needed, the lander would communicate directly with Earth in the event of any challenges with the orbiter. This unified approach underscores the spirit of innovation and teamwork driving India’s space exploration aspirations.
