In the ever-evolving realm of space exploration, India has once again taken a giant leap with Chandrayaan-3, a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2. This ambitious venture aims to demonstrate India’s end-to-end capabilities in safe lunar landing and roving. Chandrayaan-3 is composed of a Lander and Rover configuration and is set to be launched by the powerful LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR in Sriharikota. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable mission.

The Propulsion Module

The journey of Chandrayaan-3 begins with the propulsion module, which carries the Lander and Rover configuration to a lunar orbit approximately 100 kilometers above the lunar surface. This module also features the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. Its primary mission is to study Earth from the lunar orbit, providing valuable insights into our home planet.

Lander Payloads

Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE)

One of the key payloads aboard the Lander is ChaSTE. Its mission is to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature of the lunar surface. This data is essential for understanding the Moon’s geological characteristics and its suitability for future missions.

Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)

ILSA is another critical component of the Lander’s payload. Its purpose is to measure seismic activity around the landing site. By doing so, it aids in mapping the lunar crust and mantle structure, contributing to our understanding of the Moon’s geology.

Langmuir Probe (LP)

LP plays a vital role in estimating plasma density and its variations on the lunar surface. This information is crucial for comprehending the Moon’s interaction with the solar wind and its electromagnetic environment. Additionally, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is included for lunar laser ranging studies.

Rover Payloads

Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)

The Rover is equipped with an APXS, which is instrumental in deriving the elemental composition of the lunar surface in the vicinity of the landing site. This data provides insights into the Moon’s geological history and its potential resources.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS)

LIBS, another key payload on the Rover, serves a unique purpose. It conducts qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, helping scientists understand the chemical composition of lunar soil and rocks near the landing site.

The Chandrayaan-3 Mission Objective

Chandrayaan-3’s primary mission objectives are threefold:

1. Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface: This is a crucial milestone, demonstrating India’s capability to perform a precise lunar landing.
2. Rover Roving on the Moon: The Rover will explore the lunar surface, collecting valuable data and images as it moves, furthering our understanding of our celestial neighbor.
3. In-situ Scientific Experiments: Both the Lander and Rover carry scientific payloads designed to perform experiments on the lunar surface. These experiments will provide critical data for future lunar missions.

Advanced Technologies on Chandrayaan-3

To achieve these objectives, Chandrayaan-3 incorporates advanced technologies, including:

• Altimeters: Laser and RF-based altimeters for precise altitude measurement.
• Velocimeters: Laser Doppler Velocimeter and Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera for velocity measurements.
• Inertial Measurement: Laser Gyro-based inertial referencing and accelerometer package for precise navigation.
• Propulsion System: Throttleable liquid engines for controlled descent.
• Navigation, Guidance & Control (NGC): Software and systems for powered descent trajectory design.
• Hazard Detection and Avoidance: Specialized cameras and algorithms for identifying hazards during landing.

Rigorous Testing on Earth

Before its lunar journey, Chandrayaan-3 underwent extensive testing on Earth. These tests included:

• Integrated Cold Test: Demonstrating integrated sensors and navigation performance using a helicopter as a test platform.
• Integrated Hot Test: Testing closed-loop performance with sensors, actuators, and NGC using a tower crane as a test platform.
• Lander Leg Mechanism Performance Test: Simulating different touchdown conditions on lunar simulant test beds.

Technical Specifications

Here are some key specifications for Chandrayaan-3:

• Mission Life (Lander & Rover): Approximately one lunar day, which equates to around 14 Earth days.
• Landing Site (Prime): A targeted area of 4 km by 2.4 km located at 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E.
• Mass: Propulsion Module: 2148 kg, Lander Module: 1752 kg including a Rover weighing 26 kg, totaling 3900 kg.
• Power Generation: Propulsion Module: 758 W, Lander Module: 738W, WS with Bias, Rover: 50W.

Communication and Sensors

Communication is vital for the success of Chandrayaan-3:

• Propulsion Module: Communicates with IDSN.
• Lander Module: Communicates with IDSN and Rover. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter is also planned for a contingency link.
• Rover: Communicates only with the Lander.

Lander Touchdown Specifications

During the landing phase, precise control is essential:

• Vertical velocity: ≤ 2 m / sec.
• Horizontal velocity: ≤ 0.5 m / sec.
• Slope: ≤ 120.

Conclusion

Chandrayaan-3 is poised to be a groundbreaking mission, showcasing India’s prowess in lunar exploration. With its advanced technology, rigorous testing, and ambitious objectives, it represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the Moon. As we eagerly await its launch, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for another successful Indian mission beyond Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Chandrayaan-3 scheduled for launch? Chandrayaan-3 is set to be launched in the near future, although the exact date has not been announced yet.
2. What is the significance of studying the lunar seismic activity? Studying lunar seismic activity helps scientists understand the Moon’s internal structure and geological processes.
3. How long will the Rover be operational on the lunar surface? The Rover is designed to operate for the duration of one lunar day, which is approximately 14 Earth days.
4. What is the role of the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) on the Rover? LIBS is used to determine the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks near the landing site.
5. What are the potential applications of Chandrayaan-3’s advanced technologies on future missions? The advanced technologies demonstrated by Chandrayaan-3 have the potential to enhance the success and capabilities of future interplanetary missions.