TOPIC – CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION

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THE CONTEXT: India on 24^th August 2023 expressed gratitude to world leaders for their wishes on Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on Moon. India on 23rd August 2023 successfully landed a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole, an uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. After a failed attempt nearly four years ago, India made history by becoming the first country to touch down near the little-explored south-pole region and joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China in achieving a moon landing.

WHAT IS CHANDRAYAAN-3?

• Chandrayaan-3 is described as India’s lunar mission with the goal of achieving a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
• Soft landing refers to safely landing a spacecraft on the lunar surface without causing significant damage to the vehicle.
• The lunar south pole is of particular interest due to its unique geological features, potential water ice deposits, and the presence of permanently shadowed regions that could harbor valuable scientific information.
• The mission would likely carry a suite of scientific instruments to analyze the lunar surface, study its composition, map its topography, and gather data about its environment. These instruments include cameras, spectrometers, seismometers, and more.
• Chandrayaan-3’s lander would incorporate lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2’s landing attempt to ensure a successful and controlled soft landing on the lunar surface.
• ISRO employed advanced landing technologies and systems to mitigate the challenges associated with landing on the Moon.
• Chandrayaan-3 incorporates advancements in technology, communication systems, navigation, and spacecraft design to increase mission reliability and success.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is significant for a number of reasons:

• It is India’s third lunar mission, and the second attempt at soft-landing on the Moon. The first attempt, Chandrayaan-2, was unsuccessful due to a technical malfunction. The success of Chandrayaan-3 will demonstrate India’s ability to soft-land on the Moon, which is a challenging technological feat.
• Chandrayaan-3 will be the first mission to soft-land near the lunar south pole. The lunar south pole is a region that has not been explored in much detail, and it is thought to be rich in water ice. The mission will conduct experiments to study the composition of the lunar south pole and to search for water ice.
• Chandrayaan-3 will carry a number of scientific instruments, including a lander, a rover, and an orbiter. The lander will carry instruments to study the lunar surface and atmosphere, while the rover will explore the lunar surface. The orbiter will map the Moon and study its environment.
• The Chandrayaan-3 mission will help India to develop its space technology and to gain experience in conducting complex interplanetary missions. The success of the mission will be a major boost for India’s space program and will help to position India as a leading spacefaring nation.

WHY IT IS A MILESTONE?

Chandrayaan-3 has been launched and achieved significant milestones, it would likely be because of the advancements it brings to India’s lunar exploration capabilities. Here are some potential reasons why Chandrayaan-3 is considered a milestone:

1. Landing Success: The Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the Moon’s surface, it would mark a significant achievement for India’s space program. Learning from the challenges faced during Chandrayaan-2’s landing attempt, a successful landing by Chandrayaan-3 would demonstrate India’s improved expertise in lunar soft landing technology.
2. Enhanced Scientific Research: Chandrayaan missions are designed to conduct scientific research on the Moon, including studying the lunar surface, mineral composition, water ice presence, and more. Chandrayaan-3 could contribute to a deeper understanding of the Moon’s history, geology, and potential resources.
3. Technological Advancements: Each Chandrayaan mission builds on the technological achievements of its predecessors. The Chandrayaan-3 incorporates new technologies, instruments, or engineering solutions, it could mark a significant step forward in India’s space capabilities.
4. International Collaboration: The Chandrayaan-3 involves collaboration with other countries or space agencies, it could signify India’s growing role in global space exploration efforts and its ability to work collaboratively on complex missions.
5. Public Engagement and Inspiration: Successful space missions often inspire the public and future generations to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Chandrayaan-3’s success could have a positive impact on education and awareness in India and around the world.
6. Commercial Opportunities: Successful of lunar missions is open up possibilities for future commercial ventures, such as mining resources or setting up research stations on the Moon. Chandrayaan-3’s achievements are contribute to these potential endeavors.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENTS IN CHANDRAYAAN-3

ISRO Chandrayaan-3 includes various technical equipments for the mission’s success.

The mission has three major modules:

1. Propulsion module: It will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km lunar orbit.
2. Lander module (Vikram lander) : It has the capability to soft land and deploy Rover on the lunar surface.
3. Rover (Pragyan): It will carry out chemical analysis of the lunar surface.

THE PAST TWO CHANDRAYAAN MISSION FAILURES

Chandrayaan-1

Chandrayaan-1 was not a complete failure; in fact, it achieved several significant milestones in India’s space exploration efforts and that is first steps for moon mission. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on October 22, 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe.

The accomplishments of Chandrayaan-1:

1. Confirmation of Water Molecules on the Moon: One of the main objectives of Chandrayaan-1 was to search for water molecules on the lunar surface. The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) on board the spacecraft confirmed the presence of water molecules in the lunar exosphere.
2. High-Resolution Imaging: Chandrayaan-1 carried the Moon Impact Probe and also the Moon Impact Probe, both of which provided high-resolution images of the lunar surface. These images helped scientists gain a better understanding of the Moon’s topography.
3. Mapping of Lunar Surface: The spacecraft carried several scientific instruments, including the Moon Impact Probe, the Moon Impact Probe, and the Chandrayaan-1 X-ray Spectrometer (C1XS), which helped map the mineral composition of the Moon’s surface.
4. Discovery of Hydroxyl and Water Ice: Chandrayaan-1’s Moon Impact Probe helped discover hydroxyl molecules on the Moon’s surface. Additionally, data from the Moon Impact Probe and other instruments confirmed the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions near the lunar poles.
5. Endurance and Longevity: Although Chandrayaan-1’s mission was initially planned for two years, it continued to function for nearly 10 months, successfully completing more than 3,400 orbits around the Moon.

However, it’s true that the mission faced some challenges as well:

1. Communication Loss: In August 2009, communication with the spacecraft was abruptly lost due to technical issues. Despite this, the mission had already collected a substantial amount of valuable data.
2. Limited Mission Life: The communication loss marked the end of the primary mission, as the spacecraft’s instruments and systems were no longer operational. This was a setback, but it does not negate the achievements of the mission up to that point.

Chandrayaan-1 experienced a premature end to its primary mission due to communication issues, it still accomplished many of its objectives and contributed significantly to our understanding of the Moon’s composition and surface features. It also paved the way for future lunar exploration missions, including Chandrayaan-2.

Chandrayaan-2

Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar exploration mission, is not considered a complete failure, although it did face challenges during its landing phase. The mission consisted of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan. While the Vikram lander did encounter issues during its descent to the lunar surface, the overall mission was not a total failure. Here’s a breakdown of the mission and the challenges it faced:

1. Orbiter Success: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter was successfully inserted into lunar orbit and continues to function well. It is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study the Moon’s surface, analyze minerals, study the exosphere, and map water ice on the lunar surface. The orbiter’s mission has been successful in gathering valuable data and contributing to lunar science.
2. Lander Failure: The Vikram lander, designed to make a soft landing on the Moon’s surface near the south pole, faced challenges during its descent on September 6, 2019. As it descended, communication was lost with ISRO’s ground control during the final moments. Subsequent analysis revealed that the lander had crash-landed on the Moon. The communication loss was due to a hard landing, and Vikram was not able to function as intended.

Despite the setback with the Vikram lander, the Chandrayaan-2 mission is not considered a complete failure for several reasons:

• Orbiter Success: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to be operational and has provided valuable scientific data and images. It has achieved a significant portion of the mission’s scientific objectives.
• Learning Experience: The landing attempt provided ISRO with important data and insights that will be useful for future missions. The challenges faced during the landing attempt will likely inform the design and execution of future soft landing attempts.
• Showcased Technological Capability: Chandrayaan-2 demonstrated India’s capability to develop and launch complex missions to the Moon, including the successful insertion of the orbiter into lunar orbit.
• Public Engagement: The mission garnered significant public attention and interest, inspiring the nation’s youth to take an interest in space science and exploration.

The Vikram lander’s failure to achieve a soft landing was a setback for the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the overall mission was not a complete failure due to the successful operation of the orbiter and the learning opportunities gained from the landing attempt.

The Benefits of Chandrayaan Moon Mission

The Chandrayaan moon mission has a number of benefits for India-

• The mission will help scientists to better understand the moon’s origin, evolution, and geology.
• It will also help scientists to study the moon’s environment, including its atmosphere, water ice, and potential for future human exploration.
• The mission will also help to develop new technologies that can be used for space exploration and other applications.
• The mission will boost India’s space industry and create jobs.
• It will also help to attract foreign investment in the space sector.
• The mission will also help to improve India’s image as a scientific and technological leader.
• The mission will help to develop new technologies for space exploration, such as new ways to land on the moon and new ways to explore the lunar surface. These technologies can be used for future missions to the moon and other planets.
• The mission will help to create new jobs in the space sector. The ISRO is estimated to employ over 17,000 people, and the Chandrayaan mission is expected to create even more jobs.
• The mission will help to attract foreign investment in the space sector. The ISRO has already signed agreements with several foreign companies to collaborate on space projects.
• The mission will help to improve India’s image as a scientific and technological leader. The success of the Chandrayaan mission will show the world that India is capable of carrying out complex space missions.

The Chandrayaan moon mission has the potential to bring significant benefits to India. The mission is a testament to India’s growing technological capabilities and its commitment to space exploration.

OTHERS MOON MISSIONS

There have been several other moon missions conducted by various space agencies and countries. Here are a few more examples:

• Bereshit (SpaceIL, Israel): Bereshit was a privately funded lunar lander developed by the Israeli organization SpaceIL. It was launched in 2019 as part of the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition with the goal of achieving the first privately-funded moon landing. While the lander did crash on the lunar surface during its landing attempt, it was still a significant achievement for a non-governmental organization.
• Hiten (ISRO, India): Launched in 1990 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Hiten was India’s first lunar probe. It was primarily a technology demonstration mission, and it impacted the Moon’s surface in 1994.
• Clementine (NASA, USA): Launched in 1994, Clementine was a joint mission between NASA and the Department of Defense. It was designed to study the Moon from lunar orbit, conducting mapping and scientific observations.
• SELENE-2 (JAXA, Japan): The proposed SELENE-2 mission by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aims to send a spacecraft to the Moon to explore and study the lunar surface in greater detail, building on the success of the original Kaguya (SELENE) mission.
• Lunar Prospector (NASA, USA): Launched in 1998, Lunar Prospector was a NASA mission that orbited the Moon to study its composition, magnetic field, and search for evidence of water ice.
• Chang’e 5 (CNSA, China): Launched in 2020, Chang’e 5 was a Chinese mission designed to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth. It successfully brought back lunar samples from the Moon’s surface.
• Luna-Glob (Roscosmos, Russia): The Luna-Glob program by the Russian space agency Roscosmos aims to launch a series of robotic missions to the Moon, including landers and orbiters. The first mission in this program is planned to study the Moon’s south pole region.
• Huygens (ESA): While not a lunar mission, Huygens was a European Space Agency (ESA) probe that successfully landed on Saturn’s moon Titan in 2005 as part of the Cassini-Huygens mission.
• LRO (NASA, USA): The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2009, is a NASA mission that continues to orbit the Moon, mapping its surface in high detail and providing valuable data for future lunar missions.

These are just a few more examples of moon missions that have been conducted by various space agencies and organizations over the years. Each mission contributes to our understanding of the Moon’s composition, geology, and history, as well as paving the way for future exploration and scientific research.

FUTURE ISRO PROGRAM

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had several ambitious space programs and missions planned for the future. The key point of future ISRO programs and missions are following:

1. Aditya-L1 Mission:

Aditya-L1 is the first Indian mission to study the Sun from a vantage point in the Earth-Sun Lagrange point L1. This is a point in space where the gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun are balanced, so that the spacecraft can stay in a fixed position relative to both bodies. The Aditya-L1 mission is a solar mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is scheduled to be launched in September 2023.

Aditya-L1 will Carry five Scientific Payloads:

• The Visible Emission Spectrometer (VES) will study the Sun’s visible emissions in the wavelength range of 380-1000 nanometers.

Visible Emission Spectrometer (VES) Aditya-L1 mission

• The Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) will study the Sun’s extreme ultraviolet emissions in the wavelength range of 6-100 nanometers.

Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) Aditya-L1 mission

• The Coronal Hard X-ray Imager (CHXI) will study the Sun’s corona in the hard X-ray wavelength range of 10-100 keV.

Coronal Hard X-ray Imager (CHXI) Aditya-L1 mission

• The Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS) will study the composition of the solar wind in the vicinity of the spacecraft.

Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS) Aditya-L1 mission

• The Magnetometer (MAG) will measure the magnetic field of the Sun and the solar wind.

2. X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):

• The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is a space observatory being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI). It is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2023.
• XPoSat is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission. Polarimetry is the study of the polarization of light, which is the direction in which the light waves are oscillating. XPoSat will measure the polarization of X-rays from astronomical sources, such as black holes, neutron stars, and active galaxies.

XPoSat will Carry two Scientific Payloads:

• The Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) will measure the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays in the energy range of 8-30 keV.
• The X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (SPECT) payload will provide spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• XPoSat will be placed in a low Earth orbit. It is expected to have a mission life of at least 5 years.

The Objects of XPoSat in the Universe:

• To study the polarization of X-rays from black holes, neutron stars, and active galaxies.
• To understand the physical processes that are taking place in these objects.
• To improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.
• To search for new types of astronomical objects.
• To develop new technologies for X-ray polarimetry.

2. NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite:

• NISAR is a joint Earth observation mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to map Earth’s land and ice surfaces, including changes as small as centimeters.

NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite:

• NISAR will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies (L-band and S-band). This will allow the mission to observe a wider range of changes than either one alone.
• The NISAR mission is expected to launch in 2024. It will have a mission life of 3 years.

The Scientific Objectives of NISAR Include:

• Studying the effects of climate change on Earth’s land and ice surfaces.
• Monitoring natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
• Improving our understanding of Earth’s crust and interior.
• Developing new technologies for radar imaging.

NISAR is a major milestone in the collaboration between NASA and ISRO. The mission will provide valuable insights into Earth’s changing environment and help us to better understand our planet.

The Benefits of NISAR:

• It will provide detailed images of Earth’s surface that can be used to study a wide range of phenomena, such as climate change, natural disasters, and land use.
• It will be able to see through clouds and darkness, so it can image Earth’s surface even when other sensors cannot.
• It will be able to image Earth’s surface at high resolution, so it can detect small changes that would be difficult to see with other sensors.
• It will be able to image Earth’s surface over a wide range of frequencies, so it can be used to study a variety of different materials.

3. SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment:

• It is a twin spacecraft mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to demonstrate technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations.
• The SPADEX mission will consist of two IMS class (200 kg) satellites, one would be Chaser and other being Target and both would be launched as co-passengers or auxiliary payloads. Both spacecraft would be injected into slightly different orbits. The Chaser spacecraft will then autonomously rendezvous and dock with the Target spacecraft.
• The SPADEX mission is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2024. It is a major milestone in India’s space program and will help to develop the technologies needed for future human spaceflight missions.

The key Technologies that will be Demonstrated by the SPADEX Mission:

• Autonomous rendezvous and docking
• Formation flying
• In-space satellite servicing
• Proximity operations

The SPADEX mission will also help to develop new technologies for space docking, such as a new docking mechanism that is being developed by ISRO. This new docking mechanism is designed to be more reliable and efficient than current docking mechanisms.

The SPADEX mission is a significant achievement for the ISRO and will help to make India a major player in the global space race. The mission will also help to develop the technologies needed for future human spaceflight missions, such as the Gaganyaan mission, which is scheduled to launch in 2024.

HOW IT WILL CHANGE INDIA’S IMAGE GLOBALLY

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon is a major achievement for India and will change the country’s image globally in a number of ways.

• Technological Prowess: A successful Chandrayaan-3 mission would showcase India’s advanced technological capabilities in space exploration. It would demonstrate that India possesses the expertise to plan, design, and execute complex missions, including soft landings on extraterrestrial bodies.
• Scientific Achievement: Chandrayaan-3’s success would contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of the Moon’s geology, surface features, and potential resources. This scientific knowledge-sharing could enhance India’s reputation as a significant contributor to space-based research and exploration.
• International Collaboration: A successful mission could foster increased collaboration between India and other spacefaring nations. Joint ventures and partnerships in space research could lead to shared expertise, resources, and data exchange, further enhancing India’s global presence.
• Soft Power and Diplomacy: Success in space missions can boost a country’s soft power, influencing perceptions and relationships on the global stage. It could lead to greater respect for India’s scientific achievements and encourage diplomatic interactions.

International Space Leadership: A successful lunar landing mission could position India as a key player in international space exploration efforts. It could lead to invitations for participation in global discussions on space policies, strategies, and collaborative missions.

• Inspiration and Education: Success in space missions often inspires young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Chandrayaan-3’s success could motivate more students to engage in these fields, contributing to India’s future technological workforce.
• Economic Opportunities: Space exploration has economic implications beyond scientific research, including the development of new technologies, job creation, and the growth of the space industry. A successful mission could stimulate economic growth and innovation in related sectors.
• Space Tourism and Commercial Ventures: A successful lunar mission could attract attention from space tourism and commercial space companies looking for collaboration or partnership opportunities. India could become a destination for space-related activities, contributing to its global profile.

WHY THE COUNTRIES ARE INTERESTED IN THE MOON MISSION?

Countries are Showing Increasing Interest in Moon Missions for Several Reasons:

• Scientific Exploration: The Moon is a relatively close celestial body, and exploring it can provide valuable insights into the early history of our solar system and Earth. Studying the Moon’s geology, composition, and history can help scientists better understand the evolution of planets and their satellites.
• Resource Potential: The Moon is believed to contain valuable resources such as water ice in permanently shadowed regions. Water is crucial for supporting future long-duration space missions and establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon.
• Commercial Opportunities: The Moon is becoming a potential platform for commercial activities, such as mining of resources, tourism, and research. Private companies see opportunities for business ventures in space, and governments want to ensure they have a role in regulating and benefiting from these activities.
• Human Spaceflight: Some countries have aspirations to send astronauts to the Moon, either as part of their own programs or through collaboration with established space agencies. This extends human presence beyond low Earth orbit and contributes to our understanding of long-duration space travel.

These reasons, among others, contribute to the growing interest in moon missions by countries around the world. As technology advances and our understanding of the Moon’s potential increases, we can expect to see even more ambitious and collaborative efforts aimed at exploring and utilizing our nearest celestial neighbor.

CONCLUSION

The successful execution of Chandrayaan-3, India’s dedicated lunar mission aimed at achieving a soft landing and rover deployment on the Moon’s surface, would hold significant implications on multiple fronts. Chandrayaan-3’s success are underscore India’s prowess in designing, engineering, and executing complex space missions. The mission’s triumph would enrich humanity’s understanding of the Moon’s geology, composition, and surface characteristics. The success of Chandrayaan-3 goes beyond scientific data collection; it holds the potential to elevate India’s reputation, inspire future generations, drive economic growth, and establish India as a formidable force in the global space community. Its impact would reach into various facets of society, leaving an indelible mark on India’s journey through the cosmos and on the world stage.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

1. After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India enters in royal space club. Discuss how this will change India’s image globally.
2. “The success of Chandrayan 3 not only opens up great opportunities for the future of India’s space program but also heats up the global  race for dominance over the space”. Explain.