Chandrayaan-3 not only showcases ISRO's capabilities, but also unlocks opportunities for future space exploration projects
After several decades of Apollo 11's successful mission, there's renewed interest by many nations to explore the moon. There are multiple objectives such as establishing colonies, mining and using the moon as a launchpad to explore planets in the solar system. The moon can also provide clues to understanding the origin of the universe.
From the Indian context, a significant milestone in its moon mission was the success of Chandrayaan-3. The Indian space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), successfully achieved the launch and soft-landing of the lunar lander (Vikram) and lunar rover (Pragyan).
Given below is some information and FAQs on Chandrayaan-3 mission.
What is Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Chandrayaan-3 is part of a series of lunar missions being conducted by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The third mission in this series is named the Chandrayaan-3 mission. It is the successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission that had failed to achieve its primary objectives. Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14, 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
The spacecraft had three primary components - a propulsion module, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover. The spacecraft entered the lunar orbit on August 05, 2023, after which, a successful landing was achieved on August 23, 2024. The prime landing site was identified at 4 km x 2.4 km 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E.
What are the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Most of the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 mission are the same as that of Chandrayaan-2. One of the key objectives of Chandrayaan-3 was to achieve a soft landing on the moon. Not only that, but the goal was also to create a world record by landing near the south pole of the moon. Another key objective of Chandrayaan-3 mission was to successfully deploy the Pragyan rover. It allowed scientists to see clear pictures of the moon's south pole and gather valuable data via various sensors and instruments. Chandrayaan-3 has successfully achieved all its primary objectives.
Which rocket and fuel was used to launch Chandrayaan-3?
Chandrayaan-3 mission was carried out using the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) medium-lift launch vehicle. This type of rocket has capability to lift payloads of 2,000 kg to 20,000 kg. LVM3 has been developed by ISRO. It is primarily used for launching communication satellites into the geostationary orbit.
As the name suggests, LVM3 is a three-stage rocket. The first stage has dual booster rockets that use Solid HTPB-based composite propellant. The second stage utilizes a mix of UH 25 - 75% UDMH and 25% hydrazine. To achieve combustion, Nitrogen Tetroxide is used as an oxidizer. The third stage of LVM3 utilizes Liquid Hydrogen as fuel and Liquid Oxygen as the oxidizer. The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 utilized liquid fuel on its way to the moon.
What were the sensors and payloads used in Chandrayaan-3?
A number of sensors were installed on the Vikram lander. It included Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP), Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA), Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC), LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera), Laser Altimeter (LASA), Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV), Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC), Micro Star sensor and Inclinometer & Touchdown sensors.
The lander payload had Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA). This is used to measure near surface plasma (ions and electrons) density and how it changes with time. The Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE) measured the thermal properties of the moon's surface near the polar region.
The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) was used to measure the seismicity around the landing site. This module also analyzed delineating the structure of the lunar crust and mantle. The LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA) carried out a passive experiment to analyze the dynamics of the Moon system.
The Pragyan rover was equipped with a LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS). This was used for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis. To improve the understanding of the lunar surface via chemical composition experiments. Also present on the Pragyan rover was an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). This was used to analyze the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks on the moon's south pole.
What discoveries were made by Chandrayaan-3?
A number of useful discoveries were made by Chandrayaan-3. These enhance our understanding of the moon and will help in future manned missions.
1). Presence of sulfur - The Pragyan rover of Chandrayaan-3 has confirmed the presence of sulfur on the surface of the moon's south pole.
2). Temperature difference between surface and interior of moon - The Vikram lander has observed significant temperature differences between the surface temperature and below ground temperature of the moon.
3). Various elements detected - A number of elements have been found on the moon. It includes calcium, iron, aluminum, titanium, silicon, oxygen, manganese and chromium.
4). Moonquake registered - During a normal analysis of seismic activity on the moon, unique vibration signatures pointed to the possibility of a moonquake. This information is helpful in understanding the basic structures inside the moon.
To understate its significance, let us take a look at some of the key achievements of Chandrayaan-3.
First touch down near lunar south pole - With Chandrayaan-3, India became the first country to successfully achieve a touch down on the moon's south pole. The landing point was 69°S, the southernmost lunar landing at that time. Exploring the moon's south pole is important because studies have shown the possibility of large amounts of ice. Water will be necessary to sustain long-term manned space programs to the moon.
Fourth space agency to land on moon - With Chandrayaan-3, ISRO became the fourth space agency in the world to land on the Moon. The other achievers are NASA, Russian space agency Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
First laser-based communication - Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander was equipped with a small NASA retroreflector. This was used to transfer laser beam signals from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. This experiment provided details about the retroreflector's surface location.
First temperature data of Moon's south pole - The Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) equipment onboard Vikram lander measured the temperature profile of moon's south pole for the first time. Significant temperature variations were detected, which were different from what was normally estimated by the scientific community.
Presence of Sulfur confirmed - Using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscope (LIBS), the Pragyan rover successfully confirmed the presence of sulfur in the south pole of Moon. While it was known that the Moon south pole can have sulfur on the surface, it was confirmed for the first time by the Pragyan rover.
Various elements detected - The Pragyan rover also detected the presence of various other elements. It includes calcium, iron, aluminum, titanium, silicon, oxygen, manganese and chromium. Such discoveries are important because it will be useful for future manned missions to the moon.
Recording a moonquake - During the process of taking seismic measurements, a natural event was recorded. Scientists believe that the vibrations could have come from a moonquake. Such discoveries increase our understanding of the moon and its internal formations.
Cheaper than Hollywood movies - Apart from its technological prowess, ISRO is also known for its affordability. The Chandrayaan-3 mission cost only $74 million. In comparison, the budget of Hollywood movies such as Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian was above $100 million.
Going forward, ISRO has plans to further explore the moon. Chandrayaan-4 is the next project that aims to bring back lunar samples from the moon. Chandrayaan-4 is scheduled to take off in 2028. Another ambitious project is Gaganyaan, which will be India's first manned mission into space. Gaganyaan is planned for launch later this year or in 2025.
source : newspatrolling.com
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