On a momentous day at Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, amidst cheers and excitement, Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar exploration mission, successfully took off at 2:35 pm. This significant milestone marks a leap forward in India’s space exploration endeavors. Chandrayaan-3 which entered the third stage, C-25, reported that the rockets are performing normally. The rocket is propelling India towards new frontiers of scientific discovery and space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3, weighing approximately 3,900 kilograms, is equipped with a lander, a rover, and a propulsion module, each designed to fulfill specific scientific objectives. This lunar mission is armed with eight payloads that encompass a range of experiments and studies aimed at expanding our understanding of the Moon and its surrounding space environment.

The Vikram Lander

Named after the visionary space scientist Vikram Sarabhai, the Vikram lander carries a suite of instruments to perform critical experiments. These include:

1. Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE): Designed to measure surface thermal properties, ChaSTE will provide valuable insights into the temperature variations and characteristics of the lunar surface.
2. Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): ILSA’s primary objective is to measure the seismicity around the landing site, aiding in our understanding of lunar geology and tectonic activities.
3. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): RAMBHA aims to study the gas and plasma environment surrounding the Moon, shedding light on the intriguing dynamics of its ionosphere and atmosphere.
4. Passive Laser Retroreflector Array: NASA has contributed a passive laser retroreflector array, which will enable lunar ranging studies by reflecting laser beams from Earth. This collaboration adds an international dimension to Chandrayaan-3’s scientific mission.

The Pragyan Rover

The Pragyan rover, whose name translates to “Wisdom” in Sanskrit, carries two instruments focused on studying the surface elemental composition of the Moon. These instruments are:

1. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): APXS will aid in determining the elemental composition of the lunar soil and rocks found around the landing site. By analyzing X-rays and alpha particles emitted from the lunar surface, scientists can unveil the Moon’s elemental secrets.
2. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): LIBS is designed to conduct qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, providing valuable data to infer the chemical and mineralogical composition of the lunar surface. This analysis will deepen our understanding of the Moon’s geological history.

The Propulsion Module or Orbiter

The Propulsion Module, also known as the Orbiter, carries an experiment called Spectropolarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE). This experiment aims to study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from the vantage point of lunar orbit. By analyzing the reflected light from exoplanets, scientists can determine the potential habitability of these distant worlds, opening doors to new possibilities in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Journey to the Moon

The journey from Earth to the Moon is estimated to take approximately one month, with the spacecraft set to land on August 23. Upon successful touchdown, Chandrayaan-3 will operate for one lunar day, equivalent to approximately 14 Earth days. This limited but crucial timeframe will allow scientists to conduct a range of experiments and gather essential data.

The successful completion of mission Chandrayaan-3 will not only bring immense pride to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) but also serve as a morale booster for upcoming projects, such as Gaganyan, India’s first manned space mission. The development of Chandrayaan-3 commenced in January 2020, and despite unforeseen delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the mission has persevered, underscoring India’s determination to excel in the field of space exploration.

Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, achieved a significant breakthrough by detecting the presence of water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface. Furthermore, the data obtained by Chandrayaan-1’s rover revealed enhanced abundance of these compounds in the polar region. Chandrayaan-3 aims to build upon these findings and expand our understanding of the Moon’s unique characteristics.

The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is to create a comprehensive three-dimensional atlas of both the near and far sides of the Moon. This ambitious undertaking involves conducting chemical and mineralogical mapping of the lunar surface with high spatial resolution. By delving into the Moon’s geological and compositional intricacies, scientists hope to unlock clues about Earth’s past and gain insights that can enhance life on our planet. Furthermore, this lunar mission will contribute to humanity’s broader quest to explore the solar system and unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Chandrayaan-3’s successful launch and subsequent journey towards the Moon mark an important milestone in India’s space exploration efforts. Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and payloads, the mission aims to unravel the Moon’s secrets and further humanity’s understanding of our celestial neighbor. The scientific experiments conducted by the Vikram lander, Pragyan rover, and Orbiter will provide valuable insights into the lunar surface, seismic activity, gas environment, elemental composition, and even the potential habitability of distant exoplanets. With Chandrayaan-3’s anticipated landing on August 23, the world eagerly awaits the wealth of knowledge that will be gained from this mission, propelling us closer to new frontiers of discovery and paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.