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Introduction to Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission
Chandrayaan-3, the ambitious lunar mission carrying a billion dreams, is steadily approaching the moon’s surface. Recent developments have brought the spacecraft one step closer to its ultimate goal. The successful separation of the 2,148 kg propulsion module from the lander, perched atop it, marked a significant milestone. With the lander now entering a critical phase, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to navigate the craft towards its final orbit for a momentous lunar touchdown on August 23, four years after a previous attempt resulted in a crash-landing.Post-Separation Maneuvers:
ISRO meticulously designed a propulsion module to transport the lander and rover to a 100km lunar orbit. The integrate module, weighing around 3,900 kg, was skillfully place into an orbit measuring 153×163 km on August 16. Remarkably, this maneuver coincided with Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft entering lunar orbit. The successful deployment of the propulsion module fulfilled its primary objective. However, it will remain operational, powered by solar panels, conducting experiments for the next three to six months. This module houses the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, which will study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit. The data collected will aid in the discovery of potentially habitable exoplanets.
Critical Lander De-boost:
ISRO’s next challenge involves executing intricate braking maneuvers on the lander, gradually reducing its orbit to 100 X 30 km, positioning it strategically over the moon’s south polar region. The upcoming soft landing attempt, scheduled for August 23, will involve guiding the lander to the lunar surface. Subsequently, the rover will emerge from the lander, embarking on a series of planned experiments. The lander, weighing 1,726 kg and equippe with three payloads, and the rover, with two payloads totaling 26 kg, are design to operate for 14 Earth days, equivalent to one lunar day.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
‘Thanks for the ride, mate! 👋’
said the Lander Module (LM).LM is successfully separated from the Propulsion Module (PM)
LM is set to descend to a slightly lower orbit upon a deboosting planned for tomorrow around 1600 Hrs., IST.
Now, 🇮🇳 has3⃣ 🛰️🛰️🛰️… pic.twitter.com/rJKkPSr6Ct
— ISRO (@isro) August 17, 2023
Enhanced Flexibility and Preparations Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission
To ensure a gentle touchdown, ISRO has incorporated increased flexibility into the spacecraft’s design, building upon lessons learned from the 2019 mission. The lander’s trajectory during its final minutes of descent has been enhanced to optimize landing precision. Lessons from the previous mission have prompted the team to select a larger landing site and equip the lander with additional sensors and a hazard-detection system.
Continued Communication and Collaboration:
Communication remains pivotal throughout the mission. Both the lander and propulsion module will remain in contact with the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), utilizing a network of dish antennas and communication facilities. Additionally, a contingency link is planned with the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which has been orbiting the moon since August 2019. This collaboration enhances mission reliability and data acquisition.
Russia’s Lunar Race:
Parallel to Chandrayaan-3’s achievements, Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft has also entered lunar orbit, six days after launch. Like ISRO, Russia is targeting a soft landing, aiming for the moon’s south pole. Both countries aspire to uncover evidence of water molecules in permanently shadowed craters. Russia’s mission, coming almost five decades after its previous lunar endeavor, aligns with the nation’s ambitious plan to establish a lunar base in collaboration with China within the next decade.
Conclusion:
Chandrayaan-3’s journey towards a successful lunar touchdown has entered a pivotal phase. With meticulous planning, enhanced design, and continuous communication, ISRO aims to achieve what was narrowly missed four years ago. As the countdown to August 23 continues, the world awaits this historic moment of scientific achievement and discovery.
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