After the productive Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2 missions, Chandrayaan 3 is the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) third lunar exploration project. This unmanned mission’s goal is to set down a rover on the moon’s surface.

The specifics of Chandrayaan 3 are as follows:

  1. Mission Purpose:

  • Chandrayaan 3’s main goal is to send a rover to the moon’s surface and perform research there.
  • Furthermore, the mission intends to increase India’s understanding of the geology, mineralogy, and environment of the Moon.

2. Release Date:

The precise launch date for Chandrayaan 3 has not yet been disclosed by ISRO as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. However, for the most up-to-current information on the launch date, please consult ISRO or other space news sources.

3. Launching Device:

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle created by ISRO, will be used to launch Chandrayaan 3. Additionally, this launch vehicle has been specifically designed for this purpose.

4. Payloads:

As of my knowledge today, ISRO had not released any specific information about the scientific payloads aboard Chandrayaan 3. However, it is anticipated that the mission would include a variety of scientific tools, like as cameras, spectrometers, and seismometers, that are comparable to those on Chandrayaan 2.

5. Landing:

  • A rover is intended to be dropped out by Chandrayaan 3 on the lunar surface. Moreover, the rover will be furnished with tools for examining the lunar surface features, conducting various experiments, and analyzing the lunar soil.
  • The location of Chandrayaan 3’s landing has not been disclosed. However, unlike Chandrayaan 2, which attempted a landing near the Moon’s south pole, ISRO is likely to choose a different landing location.

6. Mission Period:

The length of the Chandrayaan 3 mission will be determined by the rover’s operating life and the scientific goals to be attained. Additionally, one lunar day, or around 14 Earth days, was the intended mission time for the previous lunar mission, Chandrayaan 2.

7. Collaboration:

No formal announcement on Chandrayaan 3’s foreign collaboration has been made as to my knowledge limit. However, ISRO has already stated a desire to work with other nations and space organizations to explore the moon.

8. Objective:

Chandrayaan-3’s goals include soft-landing a lander and a rover on the moon’s surface. Additionally, the mission aims to carry out investigations on the lunar surface, research the minerals and geology of the moon, and look for moon-surface water ice.

9. Budget:

The anticipated cost of Chandrayaan-3 is $130 million (about 1000 crores).

10. Instrumentation:

  1. Orbiter:

  • Creates high-resolution photographs of the lunar surface with Terrain Mapping Camera 2 (TMC-2). Furthermore, this is done in order to create digital elevation models and examine surface characteristics.
  • The Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS) utilizes infrared wavelengths to analyze the lunar surface’s composition and identify minerals, water molecules, and hydroxyl ions. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the characteristics and properties of the lunar surface.
  • The Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) is used to study the structure of the lunar crust and map the polar regions and subsurface characteristics of the Moon. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the identification of water-ice deposits. Also, employing advanced radar technology, it provides valuable data and insights into the lunar surface composition.
  • Future missions can benefit from the detailed photos of the lunar surface provided by the Orbiter High-Resolution Camera (OHRC). Furthermore, these high-resolution images offer valuable information and insights for planning and conducting upcoming lunar missions.

  1. Lander:

  • A seismometer used to track lunar seismic activity and map the lunar interior is called the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA).
  • Thermal probe: Analyzes the lunar surface’s thermal conductivity and temperature differential.
  • Measures the density and fluctuation of the plasma on the lunar surface.
  • The lunar surface’s and its regolith’s thermal characteristics are measured by Chandra’s Surface Thermo-Physical Experiment (ChaSTE).

  1. Rover:

Pragyan: The rover, which is outfitted with cameras and scientific equipment, is made to move around the lunar surface. Moreover, it conducts in-situ analyses of the soil and rocks and researches the lunar environment. This enables the rover to gather valuable data and contribute to our understanding of the moon’s geology and its unique characteristics.

11. Interesting Facts about Chandrayaan-3:

  • The Sanskrit word “Chandrayaan” means “mooncraft” in English.
  • The fourth mission in ISRO’s Chandrayaan series of lunar exploration missions is named Chandrayaan-3.
  • Chandrayaan-3’s launch was supposed to happen in 2022, but it was postponed because of technical difficulties.
  • Chandrayaan-3’s lander module is known as Vikram in honor of Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India’s space program.
  • Pragyaan, which translates to “wisdom” in Sanskrit, is the name of Chandrayaan-3’s rover.
  • Chandrayaan-3’s Lander and Rover are equipped with scientific tools for studying the geology, mineralogy, and atmosphere of the moon.
  • The Moon’s south pole is where Chandrayaan-3 is planned to soft-land; this area is anticipated to be abundant in water ice.
  • It is anticipated that the mission will continue for one lunar day, which is comparable to.

12. Journey time:

About 42 days should pass until Chandrayaan 3 arrives on the Moon. Additionally, a heavy-lift launch vehicle called the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) will be used to launch the spacecraft. Once it has been found, the spacecraft will enter a parking orbit. Subsequently, in order to expand its orbit and escape Earth’s gravity, it will perform a series of maneuvers. Eventually, the spacecraft will reach the Moon and enter its orbit. It is scheduled for August 23, 2023, for the landing.

The launch time and date, the spacecraft’s trajectory, and the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon are only a few of the variables that will affect the precise trip time. However, it usually takes a spacecraft 42 days to journey to the Moon.

13. Sensors Name for Chandrayaan-3:

  • This sensor, known as the Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP), will record information on the spacecraft’s attitude, velocity, and position.
  • The Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA) sensor will gauge the separation between the spaceship and the lunar surface.
  • The Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC) will be used to take pictures of the lunar surface and assist the lander in choosing a secure landing location.
  • This camera, the LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera), will be used to identify and steer clear of any dangers on the lunar surface.
  • Laser Altimeter (LASA): This instrument will gauge the lunar surface’s elevation above a fixed location.
  • The laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) sensor will be used to gauge the spacecraft’s velocity in relation to the lunar surface.
  • Using the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC)

14. End Goal of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3’s ultimate objective is to soft-land a lunar lander and rover close to the south pole. Furthermore, the lander will be furnished with various scientific tools for studying the geology, mineralogy, and atmosphere of the moon. Additionally, the rover will be utilized to examine and gather samples from the lunar surface. Moreover, the following are some of Chandrayaan-3’s specific scientific goals:

  • To investigate the lunar surface’s makeup.
  • To look for water ice on the lunar surface.
  • To research the lunar impact’s past.
  • To gauge the lunar surface’s thermal characteristics.
  • To gauge the seismic activity near the landing area.

Chandrayaan-3’s findings will have a big impact on how we perceive the Moon and how it might be explored in the future.

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