Chandrayaan-3: India’s Ambitious Lunar Mission Continues to Reach New Heights

India’s national space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has long been making remarkable strides in space exploration and on 14^th July, proudly launched its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. With ambitious objectives and breakthrough technology, Chandrayaan-3 promises to further our understanding of the Moon and place India at the forefront of lunar exploration.

A Brief History of India’s Lunar Missions

India’s journey in lunar exploration began with Chandrayaan-1, launched in October 2008. This historic mission marked the first Indian lunar probe with significant scientific achievements. Chandrayaan-1’s instruments discovered the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface, confirmed the existence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, and mapped the Moon’s topography with high precision.

Building on the success of Chandrayaan-1, India embarked on a more ambitious mission with Chandrayaan-2. Launched in July 2019, this mission was designed to expand the lunar scientific knowledge through detailed study of topography, seismography, mineral identification and distribution, surface chemical composition, thermo-physical characteristics of top soil and composition of the tenuous lunar atmosphere, leading to a new understanding of the origin and evolution of the Moon. However the lander of Chandrayaan-2 faced challenges during the landing attempt and subsequently crashed. The mission was a partial success. The orbiter successfully entered lunar orbit and is still in operation. The lessons learnt from Chandrayaan-2 have been invaluable in refining the technology and mission planning for Chandrayaan-3, ensuring increased chances of success.

The Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Following the failure of Chandrayaan-2, ISRO announced its plans for Chandrayaan-3. The primary objective is to attempt a soft landing in the lunar south-polar region, and provide valuable scientific data about the composition of the Moon. The mission is expected to last for one year. However, the lander and rover could continue operating longer if they survive the harsh lunar environment.

The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission will pave the way for future lunar exploration missions by India. It will also demonstrate the capabilities of ISRO to the world, and it will help to promote international collaboration in lunar exploration.

Technical Upgrades and Collaborations

Chandrayaan-3 has incorporated lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, addressing the technical challenges encountered during the landing attempt. The lander and rover designs have been modified to enhance reliability and increase the chances of a successful soft landing.

ISRO collaborated with other international space agencies including European, Australian and US space agencies. The United States space agency provided navigation and communication support to Chandrayaan-3. These partnerships highlight the growing global collaboration in space exploration and strengthens the prospects of success for future missions.

Scientific Objectives

Chandrayaan-3 aims to expand our understanding of the Moon’s geology, mineralogy, and exosphere. The lander and rover will carry scientific instruments to perform on-site analysis, collect data, and transmit valuable information to Earth.

One of the key objectives is to study the lunar soil and determine its composition. Scientists hope to gain insights into the Moon’s origin, volcanic history, and evolution by analysing the elemental and isotopic composition. Understanding the lunar environment is crucial for future missions, as it provides valuable information for resource utilization and potential human colonization efforts.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Apart from its scientific and technological objectives, Chandrayaan-3 also serves as a source of inspiration for the youth of India. The mission ignites the curiosity and passion for space exploration, encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By witnessing India’s achievements in space, young minds are motivated to push boundaries and contribute to the country’s future endeavors in space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3 represents a significant step forward for India’s lunar exploration program. With upgraded technology and international collaborations, Chandrayaan-3 has the potential to place India at the forefront of lunar research and pave the way for future manned missions. The launch of Chandrayaan-3 serves as a testament to India’s commitment to space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.