Chandrayaan-3 Mission Set to Demonstrate Safe Lunar Landing and Advanced Scientific Exploration

 

Chandrayaan-3, the highly anticipated follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, aims to demonstrate India's prowess in safe lunar landing and rover exploration. This ambitious mission comprises a Lander and Rover configuration and is poised to propel India's space program to new heights. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch Chandrayaan-3 using the powerful LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The Lander module of Chandrayaan-3 boasts an array of scientific payloads designed to unlock the mysteries of the lunar surface. Among them is Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), which will measure thermal conductivity and temperature variations. Additionally, the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will study seismicity in the landing region, while the Langmuir Probe (LP) aims to estimate plasma density. NASA has also contributed a passive Laser Retroreflector Array for lunar laser ranging studies.

The Rover module is equipped with advanced tools to analyze the chemical composition of the lunar surface. The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) will work in tandem to derive the elemental composition of the vicinity surrounding the landing site.

To achieve its objectives, Chandrayaan-3 incorporates cutting-edge technologies. Laser and RF-based altimeters, laser gyro-based inertial referencing, and laser Doppler velocimeters ensure precise navigation and control during the mission. A sophisticated hazard detection and avoidance system, comprising cameras and processing algorithms, will help the lander safely maneuver on the lunar surface. The mission also includes a landing leg mechanism to facilitate stable touchdown on the Moon.

Before embarking on its lunar journey, the Chandrayaan-3 mission underwent rigorous testing on Earth. Integrated cold and hot tests were conducted to assess the performance of sensors, navigation systems, and actuators in simulated lunar conditions. The mission demonstrated success in these critical trials.

Chandrayaan-3 aims to accomplish three primary mission objectives: to demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, to showcase rover mobility on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments. With its state-of-the-art payload and advanced technology, Chandrayaan-3 seeks to contribute valuable insights into lunar science and pave the way for future interplanetary missions.

The mission is set to have a duration of approximately 14 Earth days, known as one lunar day. The landing site has been carefully selected at coordinates 69.367621 S and 32.348126 E, covering an area of 4 km by 2.4 km. The Chandrayaan-3 mission will be carried out by two modules: the Propulsion Module (PM) and the Lander Module (LM), with the latter accommodating the Rover. The total mass of the mission, including the Rover, is 3900 kg.

Group photograph of the participants who attended the appraisal in person in ISRO Headquarters

Communication during the mission will be facilitated through the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN). The Lander Module will communicate with the IDSN as well as the Rover, with contingency communication planned through the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter.

With its ambitious goals and cutting-edge technology, Chandrayaan-3 is poised to make significant contributions to lunar exploration, scientific understanding, and India's space program. The mission is expected to provide crucial data for future space endeavors and foster international collaboration in the quest for knowledge about our celestial neighbor and beyond.