Chandrayaan-3 Mission Unveils Ambitious Scientific Endeavor
- ISRO’s Upcoming Mission to Illuminate Moon’s Secrets.
Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover have started performing the Mission objectives exactly as per the schedule”: Dr Jitendra Singh
TFP Bureau,New Delhi;August 27, 2023: The Chandrayaan-3 mission, poised to revolutionize lunar exploration, is set to disclose unprecedented insights into the Moon’s atmosphere, soil composition, and mineral distribution. This groundbreaking endeavor could prove to be a milestone for the global scientific community, heralding a new era of understanding our celestial neighbor. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Space, revealed that the mission’s Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover are meticulously executing their mission objectives according to schedule.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Jitendra Singh elucidated the significance of the mission’s scientific payloads. The central focus of Chandrayaan-3 is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of lunar surface attributes. This includes investigating thermal properties, surface elements of the lunar topsoil (regolith), and the plasma environment near the Moon’s surface. Additionally, the mission will evaluate lunar seismic activities and meteor impacts on the lunar terrain.
“This multifaceted analysis is fundamental for enhancing our comprehension of the lunar near-surface environment and for paving the way for future lunar habitat developments,” emphasized Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also holds the positions of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, and Atomic Energy.
The Vikram Lander carries sophisticated instruments such as the seismometer (ILSA), ChaSTE, Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP), and a laser retroreflector array. The Pragyan Rover is equipped with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS). These payloads are slated to operate continuously from August 24, 2023, until the mission’s completion.
The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will continuously monitor lunar seismic activities and meteor impacts, providing crucial insights for future habitat development. The ChaSTE experiment, with its high-precision Thermal Sensors, aims to study temperature variations within the lunar topsoil. This pioneering experiment will help decipher the lunar surface’s thermal dynamics.
The Langmuir probe on Chandrayaan-3 will explore the near-surface plasma of the Moon and its diurnal variations, which are essential for assessing lunar surface charging in preparation for future manned missions.
The APXS and LIBS payloads on the Pragyan Rover will meticulously measure lunar surface elements, offering an invaluable glimpse into the Moon’s composition. These measurements will be instrumental in guiding future self-sustaining habitat initiatives.
In a bold stride toward broader cosmic understanding, the Chandrayaan-3 Mission carries the Spectropolarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE), aimed at identifying earth-like exoplanets.
While the Lander and Rover’s mission life is designed for one lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days), Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed hope that the equipment could endure the extreme cold temperatures during the Moon’s night and be revived for further exploration.
In light of the remarkable interest generated by the Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing’s live telecast, ISRO is gearing up to launch a nationwide awareness campaign in September. The campaign will actively involve students and the public, showcasing the inspiring journey of space exploration.
With this mission’s impending success and India’s continued strides in space technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirms Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that “Space is no limit.” The country’s space endeavors are set to redefine boundaries and uncover the universe’s unexplored frontiers.
