Introduction: India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for its next lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3. Following the success of Chandrayaan 2, which unfortunately experienced a hard landing, the Chandrayaan 3 mission aims to achieve a safe and soft landing on the moon’s surface. This article provides an overview of the upcoming mission, including its objectives, timeline, and the advancements made to ensure its success.

Quick Update: INDIA IS ON THE MOON

At 6:03PM IST Chandrayaan 3 has been landed on the moon. India is at its best heights. Over the top.

Chandrayaan 3 will be landing today i.e., 23/08/2023 on the South pole of the Moon. ISRO will be streaming the landing broadcast on YouTube on its official page.

Objectives of Chandrayaan 3:

The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan 3 mission are as follows:

• Safe and Soft Landing: The mission aims to achieve a controlled and gentle landing on the lunar surface, showcasing India’s technological capabilities in lunar exploration.
• Rover Roving on Moon Surface: Chandrayaan 3 will deploy a rover to explore the moon’s surface, allowing for in-situ scientific experiments and data collection.
• In-situ Scientific Experiments: The mission will conduct various scientific experiments to study the moon’s geology, mineralogy, and lunar exosphere, shedding light on the moon’s origin and evolution.

Mission Planning: Charting the Course

Every space mission requires meticulous planning to ensure its success. Chandrayaan 3’s journey began with a precise launch window that was determined based on various factors, including the intended orbit, final destination, and celestial alignments. The launch of Chandrayaan 3 took place on July 14th, 2023, with the vehicle lifting off at 2:35 p.m. (IST). The lunar landing is scheduled for August 23rd, 2023, at 5:47 p.m. (IST). These dates signify a well-calculated 40-day journey to the moon, with carefully planned maneuvers along the way.

TransLunar Injection: Propelling Towards the Moon

To reach the moon, Chandrayaan 3 underwent a crucial maneuver known as TransLunar Injection (TLI). This maneuver, performed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from their Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, propelled the spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit and set it on a trajectory toward the moon. The successful execution of TLI marked the beginning of Chandrayaan 3’s journey toward its lunar destination.

Lunar Orbit Insertion: Navigating the Moon’s Sphere

On August 5th, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 is set to enter the lunar orbit through a maneuver called Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI). During this critical phase, the spacecraft’s liquid engine will be activated once again to position it into a lunar orbit. This orbit will gradually decrease in altitude, bringing the spacecraft closer to the moon’s surface. The final goal is to achieve a circular orbit at a distance of approximately 100 km from the moon, setting the stage for the subsequent landing.

PM and LM Separation: Preparing for Descent

Chandrayaan 3 comprises three primary components: the Lander Module (LM), the Propulsion Module (PM), and a Rover. The scheduled time for the PM and LM separation is on August 17th, 2023. This phase of the mission is critical because it allows the LM to prepare for the powered descent phase. To ensure a safe and controlled landing on the lunar surface, will execute a series of deboost maneuvers.

Lunar Descent: Touching Down on the Moon

On August 23rd, 2023 at 5:47 pm (IST), Chandrayaan 3’s lander is expected to touch down on the moon’s surface. This soft landing is a significant milestone for India, as it will make the country the fourth in the world to achieve this feat. The lander has selected a landing site near the moon’s southern pole, specifically at 69.36°S and 32.34°E, which provides potential access to water ice and valuable minerals found in permanently shaded craters.

‍Introduction:

India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for its next lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3. Following the success of Chandrayaan 2, which unfortunately experienced a hard landing, the Chandrayaan 3 mission aims to achieve a safe and soft landing on the moon’s surface. This article provides an overview of the upcoming mission, including its objectives, timeline, and the advancements made to ensure its success.

Quick Update: Chandrayaan 3 will be landing today i.e., 23/08/2023 on the South pole of the Moon. ISRO will be streaming the landing broadcast on YouTube on its official page.

Objectives of Chandrayaan 3:

The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan 3 mission are as follows:

• Safe and Soft Landing: The mission aims to achieve a controlled and gentle landing on the lunar surface, showcasing India’s technological capabilities in lunar exploration.
• Rover Roving on Moon Surface: Chandrayaan 3 will deploy a rover to explore the moon’s surface, allowing for in-situ scientific experiments and data collection.
• In-situ Scientific Experiments: The mission will conduct various scientific experiments to study the moon’s geology, mineralogy, and lunar exosphere, shedding light on the moon’s origin and evolution.

Mission Planning: Charting the Course

Every space mission requires meticulous planning to ensure its success. Chandrayaan 3’s journey began with a precise launch window that was determined based on various factors, including the intended orbit, final destination, and celestial alignments. The launch of Chandrayaan 3 took place on July 14th, 2023, with the vehicle lifting off at 2:35 p.m. (IST). The lunar landing is scheduled for August 23rd, 2023, at 5:47 p.m. (IST). These dates signify a well-calculated 40-day journey to the moon, with carefully planned maneuvers along the way.

TransLunar Injection: Propelling Towards the Moon

To reach the moon, Chandrayaan 3 underwent a crucial maneuver known as TransLunar Injection (TLI). This maneuver, performed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from their Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, propelled the spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit and set it on a trajectory toward the moon. The successful execution of TLI marked the beginning of Chandrayaan 3’s journey toward its lunar destination.

Lunar Orbit Insertion: Navigating the Moon’s Sphere

On August 5th, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 is set to enter the lunar orbit through a maneuver called Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI). During this critical phase, the spacecraft’s liquid engine will be activated once again to position it into a lunar orbit. This orbit will gradually decrease in altitude, bringing the spacecraft closer to the moon’s surface. The final goal is to achieve a circular orbit at a distance of approximately 100 km from the moon, setting the stage for the subsequent landing.

PM and LM Separation: Preparing for Descent

Chandrayaan 3 comprises three primary components: the Lander Module (LM), the Propulsion Module (PM), and a Rover. The scheduled time for the PM and LM separation is on August 17th, 2023. This phase of the mission is critical because it allows the LM to prepare for the powered descent phase. To ensure a safe and controlled landing on the lunar surface, will 

Improvements from Chandrayaan 2: Enhancing Success

 Based on the lessons learned from Chandrayaan 2, scientists have designed several improvements in Chandrayaan 3. These enhancements aim to increase the mission’s robustness and ensure a higher degree of success. The engineers have equipped the lander with sturdier legs to handle potential variations during touchdown. The engineers have implemented software upgrades, redundant systems, and exhaustive simulations to enhance the lander’s ruggedness and maneuverability. These improvements increase the chances of a successful soft landing and pave the way for future lunar missions.

Spacecraft Mission Operations: Monitoring and Control

Behind the scenes of any space mission, a team of experts tirelessly monitors and controls the spacecraft’s operations. Spacecraft Mission Operations play a crucial role in ensuring the spacecraft’s health, functionality, and safety throughout its journey. These teams remotely monitor various aspects, including power generation, antenna positioning, system functionality, and protection against space debris and solar storms. Mission Operations personnel continuously monitor and operate the satellite, the moment it is launched into orbit until it is decommissioned.

Tracking, Telemetry, and Command: Maintaining Communication

Effective communication is essential for the success of any space mission. Tracking, telemetry, and command systems serve as the eyes and ears of space agencies. Giant antennae positioned at strategic locations enable constant communication with the spacecraft, allowing for the exchange of data and the issuance of commands. ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru serve as a major hub for tracking support. From launch vehicle lift-off to satellite injection into orbit, they ensure continuous communication and monitoring of Chandrayaan 3’s trip.

Global Collaboration: Tracking Deep Space Missions

Tracking deep space missions requires a global network of stations to ensure constant coverage and monitoring of spacecraft. In collaboration with major space agencies worldwide, ISRO’s ISTRAC has established a network of ground stations in various locations, including Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mauritius, Sriharikota, Port Blair, and Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, international partners, such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Swedish Space Corporation, contribute tracking support from their stations worldwide. This collaborative effort ensures continuous monitoring and safe navigation of Chandrayaan 3 on its journey to the moon.

Conclusion:

Chandrayaan 3 represents India’s continued pursuit of space exploration and scientific advancement. This mission attempts to execute a successful landing on the moon’s surface through thorough planning, precise maneuvers, and continuous monitoring. As Chandrayaan 3 travels, it carries nation’s ambitions and dreams, adding to humanity’s cumulative knowledge of the moon and beyond. With each mission, India solidifies its position in space research, opening the door for future discoveries and technological advancement.