Chandrayaan-3
spacecraft lands on the
moon
On November 2022, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is
set to launch its third mission to the moon. Chandrayaan-3 is the latest
spacecraft that builds on the success of its predecessors to explore the
lunar surface.
by Umesh Jayan
Background of Chandrayaan missions
Chandrayaan-1: India's first lunar Chandrayaan-2: The mission that
mission almost made it
Launched in 2008, Chandrayaan-1 made history Launched in 2019, Chandrayaan-2 aimed to land
by discovering water molecules on the moon's on the moon's south pole, but contact was lost
surface and mapping its topography. just minutes before the scheduled landing.
Introduction to Chandrayaan-3
A new lunar mission Improved technology Global participation
Chandrayaan-3 is ISRO's Unlike Chandrayaan-2, This mission has seen
third unmanned mission to Chandrayaan-3 will not contributions from
the moon, with the goal of include an orbiter, but will international partners,
landing on the lunar surface have an improved lander including NASA and the
and conducting scientific and rover. European Space Agency
experiments. (ESA).
Objective of Chandrayaan-3
1 Scientific research
The spacecraft will carry scientific instruments to study the lunar surface, its
composition, minerals, and any possible water resources.
2 Exploration of the south pole
Chandrayaan-3 will attempt to land on the south pole region, which is largely
unexplored, to conduct experiments and collect data.
3 Expand ISRO's expertise
The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 will provide a stepping stone in India's goal to
send humans to space and expand its capabilities in space technology.
Technical details of the spacecraft
Lander Rover Launch vehicle
Weighs approximately Weighs approximately 27 Uses a Geosynchronous
1,200 kg kg Satellite Launch Vehicle
Carries scientific Has a range of up to 500 (GSLV) Mk III rocket
equipment, including a meters Weighs 640 tonnes at lift-
seismometer Includes a drill to collect off
Has a minimum lifespan of data from below the Estimated cost of ₹ 830
14 Earth days surface crores (about 110 million
USD)
Landing on the moon: Challenges and
risks
Low-gravity Communication Risks to the rover
environment
Communication with the lander Dust and extreme temperatures
Landing on the moon is on the moon's surface can be are among the factors that
challenging because of the affected by various obstacles could damage the rover's
moon's low gravity and uneven and equipment malfunction. equipment, reducing its
surfaces. lifespan and effectiveness.
Conclusion and future
prospects
1 Significance of the 2 Future missions
mission
The success of
The success of Chandrayaan-3 opens the
Chandrayaan-3 will put India door for more complex lunar
among a select group of missions and international
countries to have landed on collaborations in the future.
the moon and boost its
efforts in space research.
3 Inspiration for future generations
Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to the ingenuity and determination
of the scientists, which will inspire future generations to pursue
careers in space research and exploration.
