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ISRO Chandrayaan 3: Paving the Way for Lunar Exploration

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Chandrayaan 3 is ISRO’s next ambitious mission to explore the Moon. This highly anticipated mission will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, by featuring a lander and a rover. However, unlike Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 won’t include an orbiter. Instead, it will employ a propulsion module that will serve as a communication relay satellite, ensuring seamless communication during the mission. ISRO’s innovative approach continues to push the boundaries of lunar exploration and pave the way for new discoveries on our celestial neighbor.

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Chandrayaan 3 Launch date is 14 July 2023 at 2:35PM IST. Chandrayaan 3 is an ambitious moon mission from ISRO.

ISRO & Chandrayaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has emerged as a prominent player in the space exploration, making significant strides in its lunar exploration program. One of its noteworthy endeavors is the Chandrayaan mission. Chandrayaan, meaning “Moon craft” in Sanskrit, symbolizes India’s ambition to unravel the mysteries of the Moon and expand human knowledge about Earth’s celestial neighbor.

ISRO already launched 2 “Chandrayaan Missions” in past and ready to launch Chandrayaan 3.

Chandrayaan 3 Launch live video can be seen on Indian Doordarshan channel live.

Chandrayaan 3: कर लो आसमान मुट्ठी में

Chandrayaan 3: The Genesis of ISRO Chandrayaan

The inception of the Chandrayaan mission dates back to the early 2000s when ISRO envisioned a comprehensive lunar exploration program. The primary objectives were to explore the Moon’s surface, study its geology, map the lunar topography, and analyze the presence of water ice in the polar regions.

Chandrayaan-1: India’s First Lunar Mission

In 2008, ISRO successfully launched Chandrayaan-1, marking India’s maiden voyage to the Moon. The spacecraft carried a suite of scientific instruments from India and other countries, including NASA. Chandrayaan-1 orbited the Moon for over 300 days and provided valuable data that revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s satellite.

Chandrayaan-1 was launched on 22 October 2008.

Chadrayaan-2 was launched on date 22 July 2019.

Chandrayaan-1 sensors detected availability of water on the moon first time in the world.

Chandrayaan 3: Scientific Objectives and Instruments

The Chandrayaan missions aim to achieve several scientific objectives. The spacecraft is equipped with cutting-edge instruments that enable researchers to delve into the Moon’s composition, structure, and evolutionary history. Let’s explore some of the prominent instruments:

Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC)

The TMC captures high-resolution images of the lunar surface, aiding in the creation of detailed maps. These maps are crucial for identifying potential landing sites for future missions and understanding the Moon’s geology.

Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI)

HySI detects and maps minerals and lunar resources by analyzing the reflected sunlight. It helps scientists study the distribution and abundance of various elements on the Moon’s surface.

Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI)

LLRI measures the distance between the Chandrayaan spacecraft and Earth by bouncing laser beams off reflectors placed on the lunar surface during previous missions. This technique assists in precisely determining the Moon’s gravitational field and its tidal effects.

Discoveries and Findings

Chandrayaan-1 yielded remarkable discoveries and findings. The data collected indicated the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface, particularly near the polar regions. This revelation opened new possibilities for future manned missions and resource utilization.

Chandrayaan-2: Advancing India’s Lunar Aspirations

Building upon the success of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO embarked on Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. The mission comprised an orbiter, lander, and rover. Chandrayaan-2 aimed to explore the Moon’s south polar region and conduct in-situ experiments.

Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover

Chandrayaan-2’s lander, Vikram, carried the Pragyan rover to the lunar surface. Unfortunately, during the descent, the lander encountered an anomaly and communication was lost. Despite this setback, the orbiter continues to operate successfully, providing valuable scientific data.

The Challenges Faced

Space exploration is inherently complex and filled with challenges. Chandrayaan missions faced their fair share of obstacles, including the harsh lunar environment, navigating uncharted terrain, and the precise execution of landing maneuvers. These challenges inspire ISRO to refine its technology and knowledge for future missions.

Chandrayaan 3: Future Missions and Collaborations

ISRO’s Chandrayaan program serves as a stepping stone for India’s future lunar ambitions. The organization has plans to launch Chandrayaan-3, aimed at a soft landing on the lunar surface and enhanced scientific exploration. Furthermore, ISRO actively seeks collaborations with international space agencies to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise for future lunar missions.

ISRO’s Chandrayaan missions have indubitably cemented India’s position in the global space arena.

The remarkable achievements and invaluable scientific data collected by Chandrayaan-1 and the ongoing operations of Chandrayaan-2 have propelled lunar exploration forward.

With promising future missions on the horizon, ISRO continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the Moon.

Important Links

ISRO Website PortalISRO
ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Launch live videoSee Live

FAQs

What does Chandrayaan mean?

Chandrayaan means “Moon craft” in Sanskrit.

What was the objective of Chandrayaan-1?

Chandrayaan-1 aimed to explore the Moon’s surface, study its geology, map the lunar topography, and analyze the presence of water ice in the polar regions.

Did Chandrayaan-1 find water on the Moon?

Yes, Chandrayaan-1’s findings indicated the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface, particularly near the polar regions.

What happened to the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2?

During the descent, the Vikram lander encountered an anomaly, leading to communication loss. However, the orbiter of Chandrayaan-2 continues to operate successfully.

What are ISRO’s future plans for lunar exploration?

ISRO plans to launch Chandrayaan-3, aiming for a soft landing on the lunar surface and enhanced scientific exploration. Additionally, ISRO seeks collaborations with international space agencies for future lunar missions.

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