The Chandrayaan 3 mission is a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, which landed a rover on the lunar South Pole in July 2019. The orbiter for Chandrayaan 3 will not be equipped with scientific instruments.
Chandrayaan 3 Mission Purpose
The failure of the Vikram lander led to the development of a new mission to show the landing capabilities required for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, which is planned for 2024 in collaboration with Japan. It will be equipped with an orbiter as well as a landing module.
Difference between Chandrayaan 2 and Chandrayaan 3
Unlike the Chandrayaan-2, the orbiter for Chandrayaan 3 would not be equipped with scientific instruments. Its mission will be limited to transporting the lander to the moon, overseeing the landing from orbit, and communicating with the lander and the earth station.
Chandrayaan 3 Mission Spacecraft
Chandrayaan 3 will be launched into space with a lander and a rover. There will be no orbiter like Chandrayaan 2. India wants to investigate the Moon's surface, particularly parts that haven't seen sunlight in billions of years.
In these darker areas of the lunar surface, scientists and astronomers suspect the presence of ice and huge mineral stores. Furthermore, this research will not be limited to the surface but will also include research into the subsurface and exosphere.
Features of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission Spacecraft
The Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft rover will communicate with Earth through an orbiter borrowed from Chandrayaan 2. It will photograph the surface from a distance of 100 kilometres from the lunar orbit. It will be propelled by four throttle-able engines. It will also be equipped with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV).
Significance of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
- The Moon is the nearest celestial body to our planet, making it ideal for testing space technologies for long-duration expeditions.
- It also serves as a prospective cosmic body for exploring and learning more about extraterrestrial lands.
- This promotes technological growth, inspires young scientists, and strengthens international relationships.
- Furthermore, it establishes a link between the solar system's past and primaeval Earth.
Chandrayaan 3 Mission is the sequel mission to Chandrayaan-2, and it will most likely try a gentle descent on the lunar surface once more. According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan 3 mission will cost more than Rs 600 crores in total. In comparison, the Chandrayaan-2 mission cost Rs 960 crores.
FAQs on Chandrayaan 3
Q.1. When will Chandrayaan 3 be launched?
ISRO is yet to announce a definite date for the launch of Chandrayaan 3.
Q.2. How far has Chandrayaan 3 progressed?
ISRO was going to launch Chandrayaan 3 at the beginning of 2021. Unfortunately, due to repeated lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, the launch was postponed until 2022.
Q.3. Which country is being represented by the Chandrayaan 3?
It'll be India's second robotic moon landing attempt when launching Chandrayaan 3.
Q.4. What is the distinction between Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan 3?
Chandrayaan 3 is the sequel to Chandrayaan-2, and it will most likely try a gentle descent on the lunar surface once more. It will be similar to the Chandrayaan-2 mission, with the exception that it will only have a lander and rover and will be devoid of an orbiter.
Q.5. What is the purpose of Chandrayaan 3?
The purpose of Chandrayaan 3, like its predecessor, is to land on the lunar South Pole. It will photograph the surface from a distance of 100 kilometres from the lunar orbit.