In a noteworthy stride towards space exploration, India’s ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is gearing up for the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module (LM) on the lunar surface. Scheduled for 6:04 pm on Wednesday, this endeavor aims to etch India’s name alongside the US, China, and the former Soviet Union, as the fourth country to master lunar soft-landing technology.
Chandrayaan’s journey
Chandrayaan’s journey began in 2008, and the Rs. 600 crore Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched on July 14, continues that legacy. The mission holds its breath, poised to achieve a historic feat in lunar exploration, only days after Russia’s Luna-25 suffered a crash landing.
Chandrayaan-2, India’s previous lunar mission, encountered difficulties during its lunar phase, leading to the crash of its lander ‘Vikram’ on the Moon’s surface. Chandrayaan-3 strives to overcome these challenges with improved technology and design.
The LM, comprising the lander ‘Vikram’ and the rover ‘Pragyan,’ is set to make a safe landing near the uncharted south pole region of the Moon. This mission aims to demonstrate not only soft-landing capabilities but also roving on the Moon’s surface and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.
The critical phase of soft-landing, often referred to as the “17 minutes of terror,” will be a testament to ISRO’s expertise. The autonomous process involves precise engine firings, altitude adjustments, fuel management, and obstacle detection before the lander gently touches down.
ISRO’s Chairman, S Somanath, highlighted the complexity of transitioning from horizontal to vertical orientation during landing. The velocity transformation from 30km altitude to the final landing presents a significant challenge. The lander must pivot from a horizontal angle to a 90-degree vertical angle for a successful landing.
Upon a successful landing, the rover will deploy from the lander’s belly onto the lunar surface, armed with payloads to conduct experiments. These experiments will enhance our understanding of the lunar terrain and mineral composition.
Chandrayaan 3
Chandrayaan-3’s LM has established a two-way communication link with Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter, which continues to orbit the Moon. This communication channel offers ground controllers additional avenues for coordinating the mission.
Exploring the Moon’s south pole holds immense promise due to the potential presence of water in shaded areas. The lunar south pole’s unique terrain and challenges have made it an uncharted territory ripe for discovery.
Chandrayaan-3’s scientific payloads, including RAMBHA-LP, ChaSTE, and ILSA, are designed to measure plasma ions, thermal properties, and seismic activity, respectively. The rover’s instruments, such as APXS and LIBS, will analyze the chemical and elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks.
As India’s Chandrayaan-3 prepares for its historic soft landing, the world watches with anticipation. This mission symbolizes India’s technological prowess and its commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the Moon. As the LM descends, the hopes of a nation soar, driven by the dreams of exploration and discovery that unite humanity in its quest for the stars.
