5 Things To Know About The Chandrayaan 3 Launch

As India gears up for its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon, anticipation and excitement fill the air. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to join an elite group of countries that have achieved the remarkable feat of soft landing on the lunar surface.

Here are five things to know about this upcoming lunar expedition and the impressive package India is sending to our celestial neighbour.

5 Things To Know About The Chandrayaan-3 Launch

1. Launch Date and Vehicle

While the precise launch date for Chandrayaan-3 is yet to be announced, the mission is expected to take off somewhere between 12th to 19th July 2023. The mission life of the lander and rover spans to that of one lunar day, which translates to 14 earth days.

The heaviest version of the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV), aptly nicknamed the "Bahubali" of rockets, will carry the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. The GSLV Mk-III, standing at an impressive 43.5 meters tall, will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This robust rocket has proven its reliability with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2, showcasing its capability to escape Earth's gravity.

2. Payload And Propulsion

Chandrayaan-3 carries a lander-rover combination, which will be housed within the spacecraft's propulsion module. Weighing around 2,148 kilograms, this propulsion module will transport the lander-rover duo into the final lunar orbit, nearly 100 kilometers above the lunar surface. The spacecraft's lander and propulsion module, weighing a total of 3900 kg, will carry the lander-rover combo into the final lunar orbit before separating. 

However, it also serves another purpose. Equipped with the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) instrument, the module will analyze Earth's spectrum and generate data for the study of habitable exoplanets. This dual mission underscores India's commitment to scientific exploration and contributing to our understanding of the universe.

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3. Advanced Scientific Instruments

The lander accompanying Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with a range of cutting-edge scientific instruments. Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (CHASTE) developed by the Space Physics Laboratory will meticulously measure thermal conductivity and temperature.

The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will play a crucial role in estimating seismic activity near the landing site, while the Langmuir Probe with the Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) will monitor plasma density and fluctuations. Additionally, the rover carries the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer and the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument to analyze the elemental and mineral composition of lunar rocks and soil.

4. Coordinating with Chandrayaan-2

The Chandrayaan-3 mission demonstrates a strategic and coordinated approach by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through the utilization of the existing Orbiter launched during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The Orbiter launched during the Chandrayaan-2 mission will collaborate with Chandrayaan-3 to ensure seamless coordination and maximize scientific output. Already in orbit around the Moon, the Orbiter continues to conduct scientific research and gather data about the lunar surface, adding valuable insights to the upcoming mission.

By leveraging the capabilities of the Orbiter, ISRO eliminates the need for redundant components and maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the mission. The Orbiter, equipped with advanced instruments and sensors, has been meticulously gathering scientific data, capturing high-resolution images, and conducting various experiments to study the lunar surface. With its continued presence in the Moon's orbit, the Orbiter will serve as a vital link between the Earth and the lander-rover combination of Chandrayaan-3. It will facilitate communication and provide crucial navigation and positional data to ensure a successful landing on the lunar surface.

5. Unveiling Lunar Mysteries

Chandrayaan-3 aims to achieve what only three countries have accomplished thus far- a soft landing on the lunar surface. This challenging endeavour involves gently touching down on the Moon, a remarkable feat that requires precise engineering and navigation. Chandrayaan-3's touchdown on the lunar surface will mark a significant milestone in our quest to unlock the secrets of our celestial companion. As Chandrayaan-3 descends onto the Moon's surface, it will delve into the enigmatic world that has captivated human curiosity for centuries. With its advanced instruments, the mission aims to uncover new mysteries and secrets hidden within the lunar landscape, shedding light on the moon's composition, structure, and potential for future exploration.

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