Chandrayaan 3

Chandrayaan 3 is an ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) mission with the primary objective of putting a lander and rover in the highlands near the south pole of the Moon in the July 2023 timeframe and demonstrating end-to-end landing and roving capabilities. It will also make a number of scientific measurements on the surface and from orbit. It comprises a lander/rover and a propulsion module. The lander/rover will be similar to the Vikram rover on Chandrayaan 2, with improvements to help ensure a safe landing. It will be carried to lunar orbit by the propulsion module which will remain in orbit around the Moon and act as a communications relay satellite. The rover will carry a seismometer, heat flow experiment, and spectrometers.

What is Chandrayaan 3?

Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft is the 3^rd lunar exploration expedition, outlined by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ISRO planned this spacecraft to exhibit India’s soft landing proficiency on a stellar body. It will only consist of a rover and lander and will communicate to the earth via an orbiter from

Chandrayaan 2.

This ambitious mission encompasses several configurations, integration and cognizance.

Additionally, there are several other detailed testing remaining to evaluate the spacecraft.

Features of Chandrayaan 3 Spacecraft:

Chandrayaan 3 will take its flight into outer space with a rover and lander. It will not include any orbiter like Chandrayaan 2.
India aims to examine the Moon’s surface, especially areas that have not been receiving sunlight in some billion years. Scientists and astronomers are suspecting the presence of ice and abundant mineral stocks in these darker parts of the lunar surface.
In addition, this exploration will not limit to the surface but aim to study the sub-surface and exosphere.
The rover of this spacecraft will communicate to earth via an orbiter taken from Chandrayaan 2.
It will study the surface by taking images at a distance of 100km from the lunar orbit.

Design of Chandrayaan 3 Spacecraft:

The lander of ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3 will be powered by 4 throttle-able engines. In addition, it will be endowed with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV).

Importance of Exploring the Moon for Scientists

The Moon is the closest heavenly body to our planet to test space technologies for extensive space missions.
It also acts as a promising cosmic body to explore and achieve a better understanding of extra-terrestrial territories.
This encourages the advancement of technologies, inspire future scientists and promote international alliances.
Moreover, it provides a connection to the history of the solar system and primitive earth.

Reason to Target Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan 3 Space Mission

One key reason to target the Moon’s southern pole with Chandrayaan 3 is that it contains larger shadowed areas than the northern pole. Scientists believe that these areas on the lunar surface possibly have a permanent source of water.
In addition, scientists also have a keen interest in the craters present in the southern pole. They believe these cold traps may contain mysterious fossil records of the early planetary system.

The COVID-19 pandemic and several phases of lockdown hindered multiple scientific projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Along with Chandrayaan 3, the Gaganyaan, India’s 1^st manned space mission has been delayed. Nevertheless, the spacecraft is now ready to travel to the Moon at the end of 2022.