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| "Cycle se, Chand pe" |
What is Chandrayaan?
Introduction:
In a groundbreaking moment, India's Chandrayaan-3 mission has etched its name in history by achieving a flawless landing on the enigmatic lunar surface. This exceptional feat, marking a 'soft landing' on the Moon's elusive south pole, has propelled India into an elite league as the first and only nation to accomplish this remarkable endeavour. As we delve into this remarkable achievement, we will also uncover what lies ahead for Chandrayaan-3 after its triumphant lunar touchdown.
Decoding the Art of 'Soft Landing' and the South Pole Selection:
To grasp the significance of Chandrayaan-3's soft landing, it's vital to understand the intricate process involved. A soft landing entails a spacecraft descending gently and under control, preventing any damage upon touchdown. Imagine a spacecraft hurtling through space, needing to slow down from the speed of an airplane to achieve a near-standstill landing on the Moon – all within minutes and without human intervention. This feat exemplifies a spacecraft's technical prowess. Chandrayaan-3 strategically landed near the moon's south pole at 70 degrees latitude, a region vastly different from previous lunar missions. The challenges here include perpetual darkness, bone-chilling temperatures, and treacherous terrain with numerous craters.
Chandrayaan-2's Lessons and Chandrayaan-3's Revamped Appro
ach:
The unanticipated hurdles faced by Chandrayaan-2 serve as valuable lessons for Chandrayaan-3. This new mission adopts a 'failure-based' design philosophy, meticulously addressing potential issues. Key improvements include strengthening the lander's legs to withstand higher landing speeds, enlarging the landing area to enhance safety, increasing the lander's fuel reserves for manoeuvrability, and adding solar panels on all sides for uninterrupted power generation.
The 15 Minutes of Lunar Landing Terror:
For Chandrayaan-3, the most critical stage of its lunar journey was the final 15 minutes before landing. These '15 minutes of terror' encompass four phases: rough braking, attitude hold, fine braking, and terminal descent. The lander must transition from a high-speed horizontal position to a precise vertical one for a gentle landing. This process demands unparalleled precision and control, with minimal room for error.
The Scientific Odyssey After Landing:
Once Chandrayaan-3 securely touches down on the Moon, it will commence a scientific adventure. Spacecraft carry instruments and experiments, known as payloads, to observe and record celestial phenomena. These data are then transmitted to Earth for analysis. Chandrayaan-3 features six payloads, including four on the lander and two on the rover, Pragyan. These payloads aim to investigate lunar quakes, the lunar surface's thermal properties, alterations in surface plasma, and precise Earth-Moon distance measurements. Additionally, the rover's payloads are tasked with examining the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar terrain, shedding light on elements like magnesium, aluminium, and iron in lunar soil and rocks.
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| "Chandrayaan-3's Lunar Orbit Arrival and Descent Strategy" (source: The Indian Express) |
Conclusion:
Chandrayaan-3's historic soft landing on the Moon and its subsequent scientific pursuits marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. This mission not only showcases India's technological prowess but also advances our understanding of the lunar mysteries. As Chandrayaan-3 embarks on its scientific odyssey, humanity eagerly awaits the invaluable insights it will uncover, propelling us further into the cosmos.
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