On July 13, 2023, India will make its third attempt to land on the moon with Chandrayaan-3. This mission follows the failed Chandrayaan-2 mission, and has been designed to correct the mistakes made in the previous mission.
This article will explore the objectives of Chandrayaan-3, the changes made to the mission and its design, the experiments that will be conducted on board, and the possible implications of the mission’s success.
Objectives of the Mission
The primary objective of the mission is to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface and explore it with a rover. If successful, this would make India the fourth country to accomplish this feat, after the United States, Russia, and China. The mission also hopes to study lunar quakes, the thermal properties of the lunar surface, changes in the plasma near the surface, and accurately measure the distance between Earth and the moon. In addition, the mission will look for smaller planets that may be habitable in the reflected light.
Changes in Mission and Design: Chandrayaan-3
In order to improve the chances of success, the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) has made several changes to the mission and its design. Firstly, the landing area has been expanded from a 500mx500m patch to a 4kmx2.4km area. Secondly, the lander has been provided more fuel. So it can travel longer distances to the landing site or an alternate landing site, if need be. Thirdly, the lander will no longer depend only on the pictures it clicks during the descent to determine a landing site. Lastly, physical changes have been made to the lander, such as adding more solar panels and making the legs sturdier.
Experiments On Board
The lander and rover will carry four scientific payloads to study lunar quakes, thermal properties of the lunar surface. changes in the plasma near the surface, and accurately measure the distance between Earth and the moon. In addition, the mission will look for smaller planets that may be habitable in the reflected light. The rover will be equipped with two payloads to study the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface.
Implications of Success
A successful mission would be a significant step forward for India’s space program. It would also be a major boost for the country’s scientific and technological capabilities, as well as its international standing. Moreover, the data collected from the mission could provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the moon. As well as the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life.
Chandrayaan-3 is a crucial mission for India and its space program. If successful, it could be a major milestone for the country and have far-reaching implications. It is the result of meticulous planning and hard work by Isro scientists, and the mission will be closely watched around the world.
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