The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning a third lunar South Pole exploration mission named Chandrayaan-3 (C-3) in June-July 2023 using Satish Dhawan’s launch vehicle Mark III (LVM MkIII). Space Center at Sriharikota. The South Pole region of the Moon is of particular interest because of the possible presence of water in the region covered by the perpetual shadow – the dark side of the Moon. These craters also act as ‘cold traps’ and may reveal evidence of the early origins of the Solar System.
The mission will be a repeat exercise of the previous Chandrayaan-2 (C-2) mission on July 22, 2019, to demonstrate end-to-end capability for safe landing and orbiting on the lunar surface, but with only a lander and rover. . The failure of the Vikram lander on soft ground on the Moon prompted India to undertake another mission to test the landing capability required for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission.
According to ISRO Chairman S Somnath, the C-3 is now prepared with several modifications, including a different engineering approach that makes it more robust and durable than its predecessor. Unlike the previous model, the C-3 is fitted with better instrumentation and stronger impact legs to prevent any potential problems. Additionally, the new version has a backup system in case of any failure during operation.
Launch in June/July 2023: ISRO
Chandrayaan-3 consists of three parts – a propulsion module, a lander module and a rover module, all of which are indigenously developed. The mission aims to demonstrate new technologies needed for interplanetary missions. The lander module is equipped to soft land on a specific spot on the moon, while the rover module analyzes the lunar surface chemistry during its maneuvers.
Both the lander and rover modules will carry scientific instruments to conduct experiments on the moon.
The primary function of Chandrayaan-3’s propulsion module is to carry the lander from launch vehicle injection to the Moon’s 100-km circular polar orbit. The propulsion module will act as a communication relay satellite In addition to carrying the lander and rover configuration up to 100 km lunar orbit, the propulsion module also has a scientific payload as a value addition, which will be operated after the lander module separates. .
GSLV MkIII (renamed LVM MkIII) is designed to carry 4 tonne satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10 tonne satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 600 km. It will place the integrated module into an elliptical parking orbit (EPO) measuring ~170 x 36,500 km.
According to senior ISRO scientists, the coordinates of three possible landing sites for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission have been determined. The regions under consideration are located in the south polar region on the side of the Moon that faces the Earth. The selection process for landing sites involves consideration of various factors, such as slope at both local and global levels, amount of sun exposure, ability to communicate with Earth via radio, and size of craters and rocks.
The preferred landing site for Chandrayaan-3 is between the Moon’s Manzias U and Boguslaski M craters. Additionally, the landing area provides enough flexibility for the lander to touch down at any point within a 4 km x 2.4 km area, as long as it is within 100 meters of the lander’s hovering point.
Where did C1 and 2 leave ISRO?
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-1 mission was a notable success as it discovered the presence of water in the form of small amounts of water vapor through the ‘Moon Impact Probe’ of the Lunar Remote Sensing Orbiter.
India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, however, as mentioned earlier, was a source of much disappointment. Although the mission suffered a setback, it was not a complete waste as its orbiter segment continued to function normally. Over the course of two years, the instruments on the orbiter collected valuable new data that significantly contributed to our understanding of the Moon and its surroundings.
The orbiter is equipped with a total of eight instruments designed to fulfill several main objectives, such as examining the chemical make-up of the lunar surface and surroundings using various techniques, detecting the existence of various minerals and mass production. Lunar landscape map. According to ISRO, all the instruments used have generated substantial amounts of data that provide new perspectives on the Moon and could potentially be useful for future exploration.
Why is the news making waves?
ISRO recently conducted a successful flight acceptance heat test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine for the C-3 mission. It will power the launch vehicle’s cryogenic upper stage at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
What are the highlights of the exam?
Conducted for a period of time at a high-altitude test facility.
All propulsion parameters were found to be satisfactory and closely matched predictions. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the stage structure, propellant tanks and associated fluid lines to enable a fully integrated flight cryogenic stage.
