- India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft approaches a historic lunar landing attempt.
- Set to descend near the lunar south pole, Chandrayaan-3’s mission holds strategic significance.
- Chandrayaan-3’s advanced components, including a lander, rover, and seismometer.
India is on the verge of a significant milestone as it prepares to land its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon, a feat only achieved by three other nations so far. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently confirmed that the mission is progressing smoothly and is set to initiate its final descent to the lunar surface on Wednesday .
A Successful landing would not only solidify India’s position as a global space power but also make it the fourth nation, after the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union, to achieve a soft landing on the moon.
Chandrayaan-3’s landing site is strategically chosen, situated closer to the moon’s south pole than any previous spacecraft’s landing. This region is of immense scientific importance, as it is believed to contain water ice deposits, which could potentially serve as a resource for future missions, including rocket fuel or even drinking water.
This attempt follows Russia’s recent unsuccessful endeavor to land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole. Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft crashed into the moon on August 19 due to engine malfunctions, marking the country’s first lunar landing attempt in nearly five decades.
As Chandrayaan-3 approaches the moon, its onboard cameras are actively capturing images, some of which have been shared by India’s space agency. One such image, taken on August 20, provides a close-up view of the moon’s gray, dusty terrain.
A lander, rover, and propulsion module. The propulsion module has powered the spacecraft during its journey of 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) from Earth to the moon. The lander, named Vikram, will execute precise maneuvers to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. The rover, named Pragyan, will deploy from the lander and utilize its six wheels to explore the moon’s surface.
Equipped with scientific instruments, the lander and rover are poised to collect valuable data about the lunar surface’s composition. Notably, the lander includes a seismometer, designed to detect seismic activity within the moon. This information is crucial for ensuring the safety of potential future lunar missions, including astronaut activities and construction projects.
The lander and rover are anticipated to operate on the moon for approximately two weeks. Meanwhile, the propulsion module will remain in orbit, serving as a communication relay to transmit data back to Earth.
India’s space program has gained momentum over the years, positioning the nation as a prominent player in space exploration alongside allies such as the United States and France. Chandrayaan-3 has garnered substantial national pride and interest, with large crowds gathering at the launch site.