Chandrayan-3, Integrated Module.
Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrayaan-3
India achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing a spacecraft near the moon’s uncharted south pole, a region believed to house crucial frozen water reserves. This achievement, marked by a lander with a rover touching down at 6:04 PM local time, sparked celebrations among scientists in Bengaluru, propelling India into a select group with the United States, Soviet Union, and China in lunar exploration after a setback in 2019.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) embarked on two prior moon missions, Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, operated until 2009, conducting a crash landing test among its activities. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, aimed for a soft landing but faced challenges. The third mission, Chandrayaan-3, learned from past experiences and achieved a soft landing on August 23, 2023, marking India as the first to land on the moon’s south pole and the fourth globally.
The lunar south pole’s scientific allure lies in its potential ice deposits, harboring solid-state compounds with insights into lunar, Earth, and Solar System histories. These compounds, shielded by unpredictable lighting from mountains and craters, pose challenges for landing probes but promise resources like oxygen, water, and fuel for future missions. India’s success contrasts with Russia’s Luna-25 recent crash in the same region, highlighting the complexities of lunar exploration.
Chandrayaan-3’s components include a propulsion module, lander, and rover, with the lander facilitating the soft landing and carrying scientific instruments for on-site analysis. The Pragyan rover, designed for extensive measurements, aids research into the lunar surface’s composition, underlining India’s strides in advancing planetary science.
Trajectory of Chandrayaan-3, the journey from Earth to Moon.
Photo Source: Indian Space Research Organization.
India’s pioneering soft landing near the moon’s south pole underscores its growing prowess in space exploration and scientific achievement. This milestone not only expands our understanding of celestial bodies but also opens avenues for future missions, cementing India’s position as a leader in global space exploration endeavors.
-Editorial Board
Ankuram Academy
