Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction:
- Introduce Chandrayaan-3 as India’s third lunar mission launched in 2023.
- Highlight its primary objective: achieving a soft landing on the Moon.
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Main Task of Chandrayaan-3:
- Soft Landing: Explain the significance of the soft landing.
- Fact: Chandrayaan-2 failed in its soft landing attempt, whereas Chandrayaan-3 successfully achieved this goal.
- Lunar Research and Material Extraction: Discuss the mission’s capability to conduct extensive lunar research and collect soil samples.
- Soft Landing: Explain the significance of the soft landing.
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Countries that Have Achieved Soft Landing:
- USA: Mention the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
- Fact: Apollo 11 was the first mission to achieve a soft landing and bring humans to the Moon (Source: NASA).
- Russia: Discuss Luna 9’s first successful soft landing in 1966.
- Fact: Luna 9 transmitted the first photographs of the lunar surface (Source: Soviet Space Program).
- China: Highlight Chang’e 3’s successful landing in 2013 and Chang’e 4’s landing on the far side in 2019.
- Fact: Chang’e 3 was China’s first successful soft landing (Source: China National Space Administration).
- USA: Mention the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
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Subsystems in the Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft:
- Vikram Lander: Describe its main functions and key subsystems.
- Include subsystems such as:
- Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP)
- Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA)
- Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera (LHDAC)
- Include subsystems such as:
- Pragyan Rover: Explain its role in surface exploration and data collection.
- Vikram Lander: Describe its main functions and key subsystems.
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Role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC):
- Real-time Telemetry: Monitor spacecraft subsystems during launch.
- Coordination: Ensure seamless collaboration among different teams.
- Anomaly Detection: Provide critical data for decision-making in case of unexpected conditions.
- Resource Management: Facilitate virtual collaboration among experts.
- Technological Advancements: Use machine learning for real-time issue prediction and resolution.
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Conclusion:
- Summarize the significance of Chandrayaan-3’s achievements and its potential impact on future lunar exploration missions.
Relevant Facts and Sources
- Chandrayaan-3 Launch Year: Launched in 2023 (Source: ISRO).
- Soft Landing Achievement: Chandrayaan-2 failed in its landing attempt, while Chandrayaan-3 successfully achieved it.
- Apollo 11: First mission to land humans on the Moon in 1969 (Source: NASA).
- Luna 9: First successful soft landing in 1966 (Source: Soviet Space Program).
- Chang’e 3: China’s first soft landing on the Moon in 2013 (Source: China National Space Administration).
This roadmap provides a comprehensive guide to effectively answering the question, ensuring clarity and thorough coverage of India’s third moon mission and its significance in space exploration.
India’s Third Moon Mission: Main Task and Achievements
Main Task of India’s Third Moon Mission:
India’s third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, primarily aims to achieve a successful soft landing on the lunar surface, specifically targeting the Moon’s south pole region. This task was not accomplished in the earlier Chandrayaan-2 mission due to a crash-landing during the descent phase. Chandrayaan-3 focuses on ensuring a stable and controlled landing, which involves advanced precision in navigation and landing technologies.
Countries That Have Achieved Soft Landing on the Moon:
Subsystems in the Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft:
Role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre:
The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) played a crucial role in the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota. Its key functions included:
In summary, Chandrayaan-3’s main task was to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, a goal unmet by its predecessor. Countries that have accomplished this task include the United States, Soviet Union, and China. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft features advanced subsystems for landing and exploration, with the VLCC at VSSC providing essential support through real-time monitoring and coordination during the launch.
Model Answer
Introduction
Chandrayaan-3, launched by ISRO in 2023, represents India’s third lunar mission. Unlike its predecessors, this mission includes a lander and a rover but no orbiter. The primary objective is to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, a goal not accomplished in earlier missions.
Main Task of Chandrayaan-3
Soft Landing
The mission’s core task is to execute a successful soft landing on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-1 was solely an orbiter, while Chandrayaan-2 attempted a soft landing but failed due to a last-minute glitch. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 enables extensive lunar research and sample collection.
Lunar Research and Material Extraction
The successful landing allows scientists to analyze the Moon’s surface in detail, addressing limitations from previous missions. For instance, while Chandrayaan-1 identified water molecules, it couldn’t analyze samples. Chandrayaan-3 aims to collect lunar soil samples, a task that Chandrayaan-2 was unable to carry out due to its failed landing attempt.
Countries that Have Achieved Soft Landing
Subsystems in Chandrayaan-3
Vikram Lander
The Vikram lander is equipped with several advanced subsystems, including:
These systems work together to ensure a controlled descent and landing.
Pragyan Rover
The Pragyan rover is designed for surface exploration, conducting experiments and relaying data back to Earth.
Communication and Data Collection
The Deep Space Network ensures communication between the spacecraft and ground control, critical for mission success.
Role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC)
The VLCC at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre employs advanced technology to support the mission’s launch:
Conclusion
The success of Chandrayaan-3 marks a significant milestone for India in space exploration, paving the way for future missions and enhancing India’s status in the global space community.