Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s space program has witnessed significant milestones, culminating in the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, 2023. While Chandrayaan-1 (2008) confirmed the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface and Chandrayaan-2 (2019) aimed for a soft landing, it unfortunately crash-landed. Chandrayaan-3’s primary objective is to demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments with the Pragyan rover. This mission builds upon the learnings from its predecessor and aims to achieve a feat previously accomplished by only a handful of nations.
Main Task of Chandrayaan-3 & Global Accomplishments
The core task that Chandrayaan-3 aimed to achieve, and which Chandrayaan-2 could not, is a soft landing on the lunar surface. This involves a controlled descent, utilizing retro-rockets to reduce velocity and ensure a gentle touchdown, followed by the deployment of the Pragyan rover for exploration. A soft landing is crucial for conducting meaningful scientific investigations on the lunar surface.
Currently, only four countries have successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon:
- Former Soviet Union (USSR): Luna 9 (1966) – First successful soft landing.
- United States of America (USA): Surveyor 1 (1966) – First US soft landing. Apollo missions (1969-1972) also achieved multiple soft landings with crewed missions.
- China: Chang'e 3 (2013) – First soft landing in the 21st century. Chang'e 4 (2019) achieved the first soft landing on the far side of the Moon.
- India: Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – Became the fourth country to achieve this feat.
Subsystems of Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises three main modules:
- Propulsion Module: This module carries the Lander Module (LM) to lunar orbit. It has a propulsion system for trajectory correction maneuvers and lunar orbit insertion. It also houses solar panels for power generation and communication antennas.
- Lander Module (LM): This is the core component responsible for the soft landing. It includes:
- Landing Legs: For a stable touchdown.
- Navigation Sensors: Laser altimeters, velocimeters, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) for precise landing site determination.
- Hazard Detection and Avoidance System: To identify and avoid obstacles during descent.
- Scientific Instruments: Including the Chandra Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), and the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA).
- Rover (Pragyan): A six-wheeled, solar-powered mobile platform designed to explore the lunar surface. It carries instruments like the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for analyzing the lunar soil and rocks.
Role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC)
The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, played a pivotal role in the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota. The VLCC is a sophisticated, distributed control system that allows engineers and scientists to monitor and control all aspects of the launch process remotely.
Key contributions of the VLCC include:
- Real-time Monitoring: The VLCC provided real-time data on the launch vehicle’s performance, including telemetry, tracking, and command data.
- Fault Diagnosis: Advanced diagnostic tools within the VLCC enabled rapid identification and resolution of any anomalies during the launch sequence.
- Distributed Control: The VLCC facilitated coordinated control of various launch systems from different locations, enhancing redundancy and reliability.
- Simulation and Training: Prior to the launch, the VLCC was used extensively for simulations and training of launch personnel, ensuring preparedness for any contingency.
The VLCC’s ability to integrate data from multiple sources and provide a comprehensive view of the launch process was crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful launch of Chandrayaan-3.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing marks a significant achievement for India’s space program, placing it among the elite nations capable of lunar exploration. The mission’s success is a testament to the meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and the crucial role played by advanced infrastructure like the VLCC. Future lunar missions, potentially involving sample return, will build upon the knowledge and experience gained from Chandrayaan-3, furthering our understanding of the Moon and its potential resources.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.