India's Chandrayaan 3, a remarkable lunar mission, is set to achieve a significant milestone - a soft landing on the moon's surface.
This ambitious endeavour is being carried out by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a follow-up to the Chandrayaan 2 mission, which unfortunately fell short of achieving the desired soft landing in 2019.
The Chandrayaan 3 mission comprises two key components - the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan Rover.
Chandrayaan 3 landing time on Moon
The Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft is set to land on the Moon's South Pole today, August 23, 2023. The landing will take place at 6:04 PM IST, and Indians can livestream this historic event on ISRO's official YouTube channel.
Chandrayaan 3: The role of Vikram Lander
The Vikram Lander, weighing approximately 1,749 kg, including the rover, plays a pivotal role in the mission. Named after Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, the visionary behind India's space program, the lander is designed to ensure a secure touchdown on the moon's surface.
It is equipped with a range of sensors that enhance its ability to safely land and carry out its exploration activities.
One of the notable features of the Vikram Lander is its side-mounted solar panels, capable of generating a substantial 738W of power.
This sustainable energy source empowers the lander's various operations during its mission. Additionally, the Vikram Lander is engineered for specific exploration, particularly focusing on the lunar south pole region.
The Vikram Lander carries three essential payloads, each contributing to our understanding of the moon's environment. The first payload, RAMBHA-LP, is designed to measure changes in plasma density near the lunar surface.
This data will shed light on the dynamic nature of the moon's outermost layer. The second payload, ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment), will analyse the thermal properties of the lunar surface in the polar region. This information is crucial for comprehending the moon's temperature variations.
The third payload, ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity), has a critical role in studying seismic activity on the moon. It will not only help in mapping lunar seismicity but also in revealing insights into the structure of the moon's crust and mantle.
Chandrayaan 3: The role of Pragyan Rover
Accompanying the Vikram Lander on this lunar mission is the Pragyan Rover. "Pragyan," translating to "wisdom" in Sanskrit, is a six-wheeled robotic vehicle dedicated to collecting vital lunar data.
Weighing 26 kgs, the rover is operational for the duration of one lunar day, equivalent to about 14 Earth days. It specialises in studying the moon's surface and holds two key payloads.
The first payload, APXS (Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer), plays a pivotal role in determining the elemental composition of the lunar surface. This data is invaluable for understanding the moon's mineral composition.
The second payload, LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope), is tasked with analysing elements such as magnesium and aluminium in lunar soil and rocks near the landing site.
As Chandrayaan 3 continues its journey towards achieving a soft landing on the moon, these two essential components, the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, stand as pioneers in India's quest for lunar exploration and scientific discovery.
Chandrayaan 3: Mistakes ISRO wants to avoid
When compared to Chandrayaan 2, ISRO has enlarged the landing zone, opting for an expanse measuring 4km x 2.4km, a substantial shift from the previous 500 square metre area.
Additionally, ISRO's team has increased the fuel load within the lander. Modifications have been introduced in the lander's structure as well. The craft will rely solely on four thrusters instead of having separate thrusters and will feature reinforced legs to better withstand the landing impact.
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