Chandrayaan-3 Mission Overview
- Introduction
- Definition: Chandrayaan-3 is a lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
- Objective: Demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.Especially in the South Pole
- Components: Consists of a Lander named Vikram and a Rover named Pragyan.
- Significance: Marks a shift in India’s space programme objectives and boosts to Gaganyaan and Aditya L-1 missions.
- Mission Update
- Launch Date: 14 July 2023, aboard LVM3 rocket system.
- Landing Date: Successfully soft landed on the moon at 6.04 pm on 23rd August.
- Naming: The point where Vikram lander touched down is named “Shiv Shakti,” and the crash site of Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019 is “Tiranga point.”
- Mission Objectives
- Demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
- Demonstrate Rover roving on the moon.
- Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
Components and Payloads
Propulsion Module (PM)
- Propulsion module is like engine system of aircraft which helps to establish orbit around moon
- SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth): Studies spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit in the near-infrared wavelength range.
Lander Module(LM)
Lander - Vikram - CHSATE, RAMBHA LP, ILSA
Payloads Are :
- CHASTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment): Confirmed the presence of minerals like sulphur and calcium and measures the thermal conductivity and temperature of the lunar surface.
- RAMBHA LP (Langmuir Probe): Estimates the near-surface plasma density over time and provided the temperature profile of lunar soil, including details from below the surface.
- ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity): Detected natural seismic activity on the moon and measures the seismicity around the landing site.
Rover - Pragyan - LIBS & APXS
- LIBS (Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy): Determines the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.
- APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer): Derives the chemical composition and infers the mineralogical composition of the lunar surface.
Discoveries and Achievements
Discoveries
- Presence of Sulphur and oxygen.
- Lunar temperature variation.
- Plasma density near the lunar surface.
- Natural quake/tremors on the lunar surface.
Achievements
- Chandrayaan 3's landing became the most-watched live stream on YouTube.
- Rover performed a hop demonstrating capacity to take off from the Moon.
- Successfully generated oxygen on-site on Mars
Engines and Propulsion*
Difference between Cryogenic and Semi Cryogenic Engine
- Cryogenic Engine: Uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as fuel.
- Semi Cryogenic Engine: Uses kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel.
Thrust Comparison
- Reason: Semi Cryogenic Engine gives more thrust due to higher molecular density.
Significance of Chandrayaan-3
Space Research Significance
Theories of Formation of Moon
Fission or Double Planet Hypothesis
This theory proposes that the Moon was once part of the Earth and was separated from it early in the planet's history. This is also sometimes referred to as the “Ocean Magma Hypothesis” as it suggests the Moon formed from magma ocean on Earth.
Critique: Modern science generally discounts this theory as the current angular momentum of the Earth–Moon system cannot be adequately explained by this hypothesis.
Capture Theory
This theory suggests that the Moon was formed elsewhere in the solar system and was captured by Earth’s gravity.
Critique: It is considered unlikely due to the large difference in composition between the Earth and the Moon and the difficulties inherent in capturing a large body.
Accretion or Double Planet Hypothesis:
This theory proposes that the Earth and the Moon formed together as a double system from the primordial accretion disk of the Sun.
Implication: If this were true, the Earth and Moon should have similar compositions, which they do not.
Giant Impact Hypothesis:
This is the most widely accepted theory. It suggests that a Mars-sized body, named Theia, collided with the early Earth, and the debris from this impact eventually coalesced to form the Moon.
Note: This theory does not imply that the Moon will collapse back onto the Earth. Instead, current understanding suggests that the Moon is gradually moving away from the Earth.
Evidence: This theory can explain the similar oxygen isotopic compositions of the Earth and the Moon and the lack of volatile elements on the Moon
Lunar Magma Ocean Hypothesis:
This is not a theory of Moon formation per se but rather a theory about the Moon’s early history. It proposes that the Moon was once completely molten, forming a “Lunar Magma Ocean” (LMO)
Implication: The solidification of this magma ocean would lead to the layered structure observed in the Moon’s crust today, and the lack of seismic activity supports this theory.
Note: The mention of “Continuous Sulfur” might be related to the study of sulfur isotopes in lunar samples, which can provide insights into the Moon’s thermal history and the existence of a lunar magma ocean.
Summary
- The Giant Impact Hypothesis is the most widely accepted theory for the formation of the Moon.
- The Lunar Magma Ocean Hypothesis is related to the Moon’s early history and its internal structure, not its formation.
- The Moon is not expected to collapse back onto the Earth; it is gradually moving away from it.
- The Accretion Theory and the Capture Theory are considered unlikely due to compositional differences and the challenges associated with capturing a celestial body
Theory of Evolution of Life
It may throw light on the alien origin of intelligent forms of life. If any fossil containing life forms are found preserved on lunar surface
Knowledge of Evolution of Solar System
- No Seismic Activity: The Moon has little to no seismic activity, meaning it doesn’t have earthquakes that can alter the landscape or the composition of the rocks on its surface.
- Preservation of Rocks and Asteroids: Because of this lack of seismic activity, rocks and asteroids that have collided with the Moon since the formation of the Solar System are likely well-preserved on the lunar surface.
Scientific Significance
- Chandrayaan 3 Signals a shift from Utilitarian Objectives to space and planetary exploration
Example : Mangalayan, Shukryan, Chandrayaan
- This will also boost future missions like gaganyaan & Aditya L1 which rely on LVM 3 and orbital manoeuvres
Economic Significance:
- Boosts India’s push for “Space Industrialization” → for extracting extra terrestrial mineral resources like helium 3
- Indian space-tech ecosystem by increase investor eco system
Example : Israel wanted to put a rover on moon and they can collaborate with India
Geo-political Significance:
- Enhances international collaboration and India’s role and position in space exploration
- Examples
After Chandrayaan 2 - Japan Collaboration for LUPEX started
After Chandrayaan 3 - Astronauts of India are being called to ISS - collaboration with USA
Space Colonisation
We can establish permanent lunar base, test technologies, space flights, life support systems, advance materials, needed for future manned space missions
Other Moon Missions
Country | Mission Name | Details |
India | LUPEX | Collaborative effort between ISRO and JAXA to explore the Moon's polar regions. |
Japan | LUPEX | Collaborative effort between ISRO and JAXA to explore the Moon's polar regions. |
ㅤ | SLIM | Sniper Mission and Accurate Landing. |
Russia | Luna Missions
From Luna 1 to Luna 24 | - First Country to Enter Lunar Orbit. |
ㅤ | ㅤ | - First Country to send an Impacter Probe to Moon. |
ㅤ | ㅤ | - First Country to take a photo of the back side of the moon. |
ㅤ | Luna-25 | Aimed to land closer to the lunar south pole; resulted in failure (crash-landed) |
USA | Apollo 11 | - Placed Man on Moon. |
ㅤ | ㅤ | - Rocket used was Saturn. |
ㅤ | Artemis Program | - Aiming to return humans to the moon. |
ㅤ | ㅤ | - Plans to establish a permanent orbiting base around the moon and a base on the lunar surface. |
ㅤ | VIPER | Studies Moon's polar regions to study water and other resources. |
China | Chang'e 4 2019 | - Landed a rover, Yutu 2, on the far side of the moon. |
ㅤ | Chang'e 5 2020 | - Collected lunar samples. |
Israel | Beresheet 2 | Notable moon mission. |
Note: In recent times, China and India are the only countries successful in landing rovers on the moon but India is first to place it on south pole
Difference Between C3 & C2
Feature | Chandrayaan-2 (C2) | Chandrayaan-3 (C3) |
Orbiter | Had an Orbiter | Did not have an Orbiter |
Landing Site Selection | Had a fixed landing site | Uses AI Algorithm to determine the landing site using data from Landing Cameras |
Target Area for Landing | 500 m * 500 m | 4 km * 2.4 km |
Fuel for Landing Manoeuvres | Standard amount | Extra fuel was added |
Landing Legs Strength | Standard strength | Strengthened to handle a landing velocity of 10.8 km |
Solar Panels | Limited to certain sides | Added on all 4 sides to ensure continuous charging of batteries |
Indian Space Scenario Post Chandrayaan 3
Challenges
- Absence of a clear legislative framework.
- Budgetary, technological, and manpower challenges.
- Lack of robust dispute settlement mechanism.
- Need to
Course of Action
- Passage of space Activities Bill and enhancing budget allocation.
- Push for privatization and setting up Space Dispute Tribunal.
- Enhanced international collaboration.