CHANDRAYAAN-3 SET TO HIT THE MOON
CHANDRAYAAN – 3 MISSION
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will attempt to land its Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon on August 23. If successful, India will become only the fourth country to successfully place a probe on the moon. Hence the first to land at the lunar south pole.
The lunar south pole is a region of particular interest to scientists because it is thought to contain water ice. This could be a valuable resource for future space exploration. Chandrayaan-3 is carrying a rover that will explore the lunar surface and search for water ice.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 would be a major achievement for India. Hence would boost the country’s reputation as a spacefaring nation. It would also be a significant step forward for international cooperation in space exploration.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, has been progressing smoothly so far. It entered lunar orbit on August 5, separated from its propulsion system on August 17, and even took a few pictures of the moon on August 18.
THE TECHNICAL SPOTS – CHANDRAYAAN-3 LANDING CRITICAL
The most dangerous moment of the landing will be the final step when the lander slows down and hovers about a kilometer above the lunar surface. It has to decide in 12 seconds if it is above its desired landing zone and proceed with the touchdown accordingly.
If Chandrayaan-3 lands safely, it will be the first spacecraft to land in the moon’s south pole, where scientists believe there is water ice. Water is a crucial resource for future space exploration, both for drinking and for rocket fuel.
The lander also carries a small rover named Pragyan, which will explore the lunar surface for about two weeks. Pragyan is equipped with two spectrometers to study the composition of rocks and soil.
The lunar south pole is also a key target for future missions in NASA’s Artemis program. The program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the moon. India’s success in landing Chandrayaan-3 will be a major step towards achieving this goal.
As more nations try to land on the moon, lessons from both successes and failures will help improve each next attempt.
