Anticipation and pride are running high in India as Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module gets ready for a “safe and soft landing” on the Moon’s surface. If everything unfolds as planned, this lunar landing will mark a historic milestone for India’s space program, overshadowing the disappointment of Chandrayaan-2’s lander crash four years ago. Luna 25 Crashed On Moon News, Why Crash Full Report, Roscosmos
A Historic Moment for India’s Space Program
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shared its enthusiasm on social media, revealing that the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) is abuzz with energy. The upcoming Moon landing is poised to make India the pioneer in landing a spacecraft on the lunar south pole, an achievement that will redefine its space endeavors.
Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Landing: A Triumph For India’S Space Programe
Current progress indicates a seamless mission, with all systems undergoing regular checks. ISRO’s recent update suggests a smooth journey so far. Chandrayaan-3’s scheduled touchdown time is 1804 hours IST on Wednesday, following a calculated 17-minute descent from its current pre-landing lunar orbit.
A pivotal command for descent will be issued by ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Centre (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru at 1747 hours IST. From an orbit velocity of around 6,000 km/hour, the spacecraft must meticulously decelerate to almost zero for a safe landing, even at speeds of up to 10 km/hour.
The descent will be managed autonomously, employing artificial intelligence and computer logic, while mission control at ISTRAC oversees the process.Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Landing: A Triumph For India’S Space Programe
Avoiding Past Mishaps
The final moments of Chandrayaan-3’s approach to the Moon are filled with a blend of emotions – anxiety, anticipation, and hope. This stage had posed challenges for Chandrayaan-2, which encountered difficulties leading to a crash. Sadly, this trend has been observed in four other missions, including Russia’s Luna-25 recently.
To mitigate potential issues, ISRO has taken extensive precautions. As of Tuesday, the mission is progressing without significant hurdles.
Enhancements: Sensors and Software
ISRO Chairman S Somanath has highlighted the failure-based approach in Chandrayaan-3’s design. This meticulous planning covers various failure scenarios, incorporating multiple safeguards. Key upgrades encompass reinforced landing legs, software enhancements, increased fuel capacity, and augmented maneuverability to pinpoint precise landing sites.
Sensors are the backbone of Chandrayaan-3’s success. These sensors – including velocimeters, altimeters, and hazard-avoidance cameras – work harmoniously with computer algorithms to ascertain the lander’s position, speed, and orientation. Rigorous testing has validated these sensor systems.
Optimal Timing Matters
Chandrayaan-3’s lander aims for a daytime lunar landing, a period lasting approximately 14 Earth days. All onboard instruments operate on solar power and are tailored for a lunar day’s duration. Should circumstances prevent landing on August 23 or 24, ISRO may opt for a subsequent attempt on August 27.
Somanath stresses the significance of initiating landings during lunar daytime to maximize observation and experimentation time. In cases of initial failures, a lunar month’s wait (14 lunar days and nights) precedes a second attempt.As of Tuesday evening, all systems remain on track for a successful landing on the designated day.
Assured Safe Landing
Somanath reiterates that Chandrayaan-3’s design guarantees a safe and soft landing even in challenging scenarios. The lander can execute a vertical landing if the propulsion system functions, even if some sensors fail.In closing, Chandrayaan-3 signifies a remarkable accomplishment for India’s space program.
It showcases ISRO’s meticulous planning, technological prowess, and dedication. The nation eagerly awaits this historic moment as Chandrayaan-3 establishes itself as the pioneer in lunar south pole landings, solidifying India’s prominence in space exploration.
