Chandrayaan 3, a historic mission of the Indian Space Research Organization, is speeding toward the moon after orbiting the earth. The goal of Chandrayaan 3 is a soft landing on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan 2 was launched in 2019 but failed to find success.
Media reports claim that on August 5th, ISRO may introduce Chandrayaan 3 into the Moon’s original orbit. The lunar orbit of Chandrayaan 3, which orbits the Earth in all directions, might begin on August 5. On July 14, Chandrayaan 3 was launched from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Center. The 23rd of August still holds out some promise for a successful gentle landing.
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How far has Chandrayaan 3 reached?
Ahead of the Moon, Chandrayaan 3 is traveling at a speed of 38,520 kilometers per hour. Chandrayaan 3 would travel in the same direction as Chandrayaan 2 before the mission, according to ISRO Chief S. Somnath. Chandrayaan 3 is now in a translunar orbit. The Lunar Orbit stage of this mission is the following.
Chandrayaan 3 will begin to feel lunar gravity when it is roughly 40,000 kilometers away from the Moon. Chandrayaan 3 will be inserted into the Moon’s orbit by Lunar Orbit Insertion.
The speed of Chandrayaan 3 will be reduced.
According to media reports, Chandrayaan 3 is expected to reach the Moon’s orbit at 6 PM on 5th August. At this time, the spacecraft’s speed will be reduced to 3,600 kilometers per hour.
The vehicle will orbit the Moon five times
It is reported that between 5th August and 17th August, Chandrayaan 3 will orbit the Moon five times. On 17th August, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover propulsion modules will separate.
On 23rd August, at 5:45 PM, Chandrayaan 3 will attempt a soft landing on the Moon.
What is the role of the Vikram lander?
The names of the lander and rover were taken from the Chandrayaan 2 mission. The lander is named Vikram, in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of the Indian space program. It is designed for a lunar day, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. Vikram is equipped with various sensors to ensure a safe touchdown or landing. The total weight of the lander and rover is 1,749 kilograms.
As per ISRO, Vikram lander carries three payloads:
- RAMBHA-LP: This payload will measure the surface plasma density (ions and electrons) around the lander and observe how it changes with time.
- ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment): This payload will study the thermal properties of the lunar polar region’s surface.
- ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity): This payload will measure the seismicity around the landing site.
What is the role of the Pragyan rover?
The robot is known as Pragyan. Depending on its items, this six-wheeled truck is outfitted with certain equipment. It will deliver vital information from the lunar surface, such as details on the elements that make up the lunar atmosphere. Similar to the lander Vikram, the rover weighs 26 kilograms and has a lifespan of about one lunar day, or 14 days on Earth.
Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) are the rover’s two payloads. At the lunar landing site, LIBS will carry out research on the rocks and soil of the moon.
