Chandrayaan 3 is India’s next lunar mission, following the success of Chandrayaan 2 in 2019. The mission is set to launch next month between at 2:35pm IST on the 14th of July 2023 and is designed to further explore the Moon’s surface. The mission will be carried out by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and is expected to be a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.
Background
The first lunar mission by ISRO, Chandrayaan-1, was launched in 2008, which placed an impact probe on the Moon’s surface. The mission was a significant milestone for India, as it was the first time the country had sent a spacecraft beyond the Earth’s orbit. Its objectives were to map the lunar surface, search for water ice, study the Moon’s atmosphere, and analyze the lunar ionosphere. Despite communication loss in 2009, Chandrayaan-1 provided some valuable data. The mission’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument made a significant discovery by detecting the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface.
In 2019, ISRO launched the Chandrayaan 2 mission, which aimed to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. Although the lander Vikram crashed during its descent, the mission was still deemed a success as the orbiter is still operational and continues to provide valuable data and imagery of the Moon’s surface.
Objectives of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The primary objective of the Chandrayaan 3 mission is to conduct scientific studies of the Moon’s surface, atmosphere, and mineral composition. This information will help scientists better understand the Moon’s geological history and its relationship to Earth. The mission will have a special focus on gathering data about the Moon’s water resources, which could be crucial for future human missions to the Moon. The spacecraft will also carry a lunar rover that will explore the Moon’s surface and collect samples for analysis. The rover will be equipped with instruments such as a laser-induced breakdown spectroscope (LIBS), which can determine the elemental composition of rocks and soil.
Timeline of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
Originally planned for a 2020 launch, the mission was postponed to 2022 due to technical issues. However, the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the mission, and it is now expected to launch in July 2023. The spacecraft will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and is expected to last for about one year. The mission will consist of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. The lander and rover will separate from the orbiter and make a soft landing on the Moon’s surface.
Significance of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan 3 mission will act as a significant milestone for the Indian space exploration program. It marks the country’s continued efforts to explore the Moon’s surface and develop its expertise in space technology. The mission will also contribute to global scientific knowledge about the Moon, its formation, and evolution. Furthermore, the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission could lead to more ambitious space exploration projects in the future. The mission will also provide an opportunity for ISRO to test its technology for soft landing and rover operations, which could be useful for future missions to the Moon and other celestial bodies.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Chandrayaan 3 mission presents both challenges and opportunities for India’s space exploration efforts. One of the main challenges will be to ensure that the mission is successful in achieving its objectives. The previous Chandrayaan 2 mission faced a setback when the lander crashed during its descent to the lunar surface. The ISRO will need to ensure that the necessary improvements are made to the mission design and execution to avoid similar setbacks.
However, the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission could open up new opportunities for India’s space exploration efforts. The mission could help establish India as a major player in the global space industry, and contribute to the development of new technologies and innovations in the field. It could also inspire future generations of Indian scientists and researchers to pursue careers in space exploration.
Conclusion
The Chandrayaan 3 mission is an ambitious lunar exploration project by the Indian Space Research Organization. With its focus on scientific studies of the Moon’s surface and its water resources, this mission has important implications for our understanding of the Moon, its geological history, and its relationship to Earth. The mission also represents a significant step forward in India’s space exploration program and its ongoing efforts to develop its expertise in space technology. We look forward to the launch of the Chandrayaan 3 mission and the exciting discoveries it will bring.
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References
ISRO. (n.d.). Chandrayaan-3: India’s Lunar Mission. Retrieved from https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3_New.html
ISRO. (n.d.). Chandrayaan-2. Retrieved from https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayan_2.html
ISRO. (n.d.). Chandrayaan-1. Retrieved from https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan_1.html
Akshat Mishra is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Physics from Lund University in Sweden. He feels the need to explore the depths of the not-so-dark universe while at the same time watch the quanta in action. Electronic Music is what puts him in the thinking zone.
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Akshat Mishrahttps://www.scilynk.in/author/akshat/
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Akshat Mishrahttps://www.scilynk.in/author/akshat/
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Akshat Mishrahttps://www.scilynk.in/author/akshat/
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Akshat Mishrahttps://www.scilynk.in/author/akshat/
