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Chandrayan programme

For the purpose to learn more about the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is launching a number of space missions under the Chandrayaan program, also recognized as the Indian Lunar Exploration Programme. The program consists of a lunar orbiter, an impactor, a soft lander, and a rover spacecraft.

India completed three satellite missions two spacecraft, one lander, and one rover with success. Chandrayaan-3, the second mission, made a soft landing on the Moon, while Chandrayaan-2, the first mission, smashed on the surface. India has made history by becoming the fourth nation to land on the moon, following the US, China, and Russia, and establishing its dominance in lunar exploration.

On August 23, 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft made a successful arrival after performing deboosting. The accomplishments of Chandrayaan 1, the complicated structure of Chandrayaan 2, and the triumph of Chandrayaan 3 will be briefly discussed here in relation to India's moon journey.

Chandrayaan 1: The Beginning of India's Space Exploration

India's space program is improving tremendously and  thanks to the Chandrayaan missions, which have also increased our awareness of the mysteries concerning the Moon.

1. India launched Chandrayaan 1, a mission which aims to carry out in-depth surface surveys of the Moon as well as scientific and mineralogical research, on October 22, 2008. 
2. The extraordinary achievement of Chandrayaan 1's objectives enabled  the revolutionary discovery of water particles on the moon's surface. 
3. India is doing additional observations regarding the finding of water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the Moon's surface. The statistics also showed that they were more common in the arctic areas. It also detected evidence of ice in the northern polar area of the Moon.
4. Related theories about the Moon's dry nature were refused by the discovery, which also provides vital information about the Moon's composition and created fresh possibilities for research and human habitation.

Chandrayaan 2: New Insights and Missions

1. Chandrayaan 2 takes on a bigger challenge while carrying on the successful path left by its previous one. 
2. On July 22, 2019, it was launched along with the lander Vikram, the rover Pragyan, and the orbiter. 
3. The primary objectives was to carry out scientific experiments and achieve a smooth landing near the south pole of the moon. 
4. The space craft continued to operate and intended to deliver valuable data, but unexpected problems struck Vikram's attempt to land. Both the lander and the rover became stuck on the moon as a result of technical issues and system failures.

What led to Chandrayaan 2's failure?

It was not entirely successful to launch Chandrayaan 2, a spacecraft intended to study the Moon's south pole using an orbiter, lander, and rover, in July 2019. Sadly, on September 7 of that year, the lander Vikram and rover Pragyaan crashed onto the moon due to mechanical issues.

Vikram, a spacecraft, was supposed to slow down as it approached the moon, but due to mistakes, it continued to travel quickly, causing an accident. Despite this, it collected valuable data.

The crash resulted in missed opportunities. The opportunity to demonstrate effective soft landing techniques in space was wasted. According to ISRO scientists, a little, fixable fault was the source of the accident.

 

Chandrayaan 3: An Outstanding Achievement for India

1. The lander decelerated to lower orbit, and on August 20, the ISRO conducted a second deboosting operation to enable the lander to land softly at a designated lunar spot. This is the timetable provided by the ISRO. 
2. India successfully detaches Chandrayaan-3 from the power module, releasing the rover and preparing for its successful landing, marking a significant achievement for the nation.
3. With upgraded software, strengthened landing legs, and improved backup measures, this mission was created to address the shortcomings of its predecessor and guarantee a safe and controlled landing. With a mission length of one lunar day or fourteen Earth days, Chandrayaan 3 was able to collect as many scientific observations as possible.

Chandrayaan 3's Significance

Chandrayaan 3, a mission aiming for a gentle lunar landing, is a significant achievement for India, demonstrating its determination and dedication to space exploration, establishing confidence in precise lunar landings, and potentially overcoming difficulties.

With its cutting-edge technology, enhanced landing systems, and insightful conclusions from past missions, Chandrayaan 3 should be a huge step forward for India's lunar exploration objectives.

Chandrayaan 2 and Chandrayaan 3 aimed to explore the Moon's south pole, which has Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) and water ice, which could preserve prehistoric elements and aid lunar efforts and human settlements.

The difficulties that Chandrayaan 3 experienced  

Now that Chandrayaan 3 has touched down, it's necessary to acknowledge the wide range of obstacles it truly faced. Because of the particular difficulties presented by its environment, landing close to the lunar south pole has always remained unexplored terrain. 

Due to beneficial conditions, lunar landings have historically taken place in the equatorial area. For convenience and safety reasons, even China's Chang'e 4, the first mission to land on the Moon's far side, selected a position nearer the 45-degree latitude.

Equatorial regions offer level ground, comfortable temperatures, and ideal instrument conditions due to fewer hills, smooth environments, and solar-powered instruments supplying energy from the Earth's side.

The lunar south pole presents a challenging and unique environment, with areas lacking sunlight, darkness, and cold temperatures below -230 degrees Celsius, posing technological challenges and limiting instrument operation. Large holes make safe landings and scientific investigations even more challenging.

However, Chandrayaan 3 and India's space ambitions remained undisturbed by these challenges.

Conclusion 

Russia's Luna 25 failed to land on August 21, while India's Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down near the Moon's South Pole. These missions showcase India's dedication to technical advancement and scientific research, as well as human curiosity and exploration spirit. India's lunar journey is a monument to human curiosity and exploration, with ground-breaking findings from Chandrayaan 1 and tenacity from Chandrayaan 2.

FAQS

Who conducts the Chandrayaan mission programme?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting a series of space missions called the Chandrayaanprogramme.

How many missions have been conducted till now?

Three Chandrayaan missions have been conducted till now.