Chandrayaan-3: Another soft landing attempt
India’s space agency Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is on its way to make history with its Chandrayaan-3 mission. After the success of Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, this mission aims to achieve a controlled landing on the lunar surface. With this venture, India seeks to become only the fourth country to achieve such a feat, joining the United States, the former Soviet Union and China. Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 1, 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrayaan-3 is India’s second attempt to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. The previous experiment, Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, successfully entered lunar orbit, but faced challenges during the landing phase. Despite the partial failure, Chandrayaan-2 continues to orbit and explore the Moon, providing valuable scientific information. Based on the experience gained from Chandrayaan-2, ISRO significantly strengthened and improved the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Objectives of Chandrayaan-3
The Chandrayaan-3 mission has three main objectives:
1. Demonstrate a safe and successful soft landing on the lunar surface.
2. Conduct rover missions on the moon.
3. Conduct field experiments to gather scientific information.
Journey to the Moon: Chandrayaan-3 launch
On July 1, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The launch was seen by thousands of spectators at the space center and garnered more than a million views on YouTube. The Indian Space Research Organization has confirmed that the spacecraft is in precise orbit and has begun its journey to the moon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride and admiration for the mission, saying Chandrayaan-3 will lift the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. He praised the relentless commitment and innovation of ISRO scientists.
Advanced spacecraft Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3 consists of a lander, a propulsion module and a rover. The spacecraft underwent significant upgrades to ensure a successful landing on the lunar surface. These upgrades include a stronger chassis, improved braking system, increased fuel capacity and additional solar panels to increase energy production.
Exploring the south pole of the Moon
Chandrayaan-3 aims to explore the South Pole of the Moon, a region that is largely unexplored. This area is of special scientific interest due to permanently shadowed craters that may contain water ice. India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, found water molecules near the south pole of the moon in 2008. By exploring this region in more detail, Chandrayaan-3 will try to gather more information about the composition and possible resources of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3 scientific payload
The spacecraft’s rover, named Pragyaan, carries five instruments designed to study the physical properties of the Moon’s surface, near-surface atmosphere and subsurface tectonic activity. These instruments provide valuable information about the Moon’s geology and help scientists understand its evolution. Chandrayaan-3 Landing Date and Challenges
Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled to land on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023. The landing must coincide with the beginning of a lunar day to allow the lander and rover to receive sunlight for charging and operation. The complex terrain of the south pole of the Moon makes the mission more complex, requiring careful planning and execution.
India’s growing presence in space exploration
India’s space program has made significant progress in recent years. In 2011, India became the first Asian country to reach Mars with the successful launch of the Mangalyaan probe. The country also set records by sending 10 satellites into orbit in a single mission in 2017. In addition, India conducted an anti-satellite test in 2019, joining a select group of countries that have this capability.
Future hopes and global cooperation
India’s space ambitions go beyond lunar exploration. The country plans to build its own space station by 2030, strengthening its presence in space exploration. Cooperation with international partners such as NASA is also a priority. India’s space program is a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s growing scientific and technological prowess.
As Chandrayaan-3 begins its journey to the Moon, the world eagerly awaits the results and scientific discoveries of this ambitious mission. India’s commitment to space exploration and determination to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge inspires and captures the imagination of people across the globe.
