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Introduction

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission, launched by ISRO in 2023. It consists of a lander and a rover, but no orbiter. It aims to explore the south pole of the Moon and conduct scientific experiments. Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, it sets itself apart with its primary objective: achieving a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, something the earlier missions couldn’t accomplish.

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Main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission

• Soft Landing: Unlike the Chandrayaan-1, which was only an orbiter, and Chandrayaan-2, which failed in its soft-landing attempt due to a last-minute glitch, the third mission achieved a seamless soft landing.
• Lunar Research: Its soft landing would allow for extensive lunar research, which could only be partially executed in previous missions. Eg: Chandrayaan-1 discovered water molecules on the Moon but couldn’t analyse samples, a limitation the third mission aims to overcome.
• Material Extraction: A successful soft landing opens up the possibility of collecting lunar soil samples. Chandrayaan-2 had an onboard rover named ‘Pragyan’ intended for this purpose, but it couldn’t be utilized due to the failed landing attempt.
• Advanced Technology: The third moon mission is expected to employ advanced technology, including improved landing gear and more powerful engines, drawing from global successes like NASA’s Apollo and China’s Chang’e missions.
• Human Exploration Preparation: With successful soft landing, it can serve as a precursor to potential human exploration. Earlier missions were not equipped for this, but by demonstrating a successful soft landing, India paved the way for projects like sending astronauts to the Moon.

Countries that have Achieved this Task:

• USA: It was the first country to not only achieve a soft landing but also to put humans on the Moon. The Apollo 11 mission in 1969 is the most iconic, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the lunar surface and collected samples to bring back to Earth.
• Russia: Prior to the USA’s manned missions, the Soviet Union’s Luna 2 was the first human-made object to reach the Moon in 1959, but it crash-landed. However, Luna 9 in 1966 became the first to achieve a soft landing, transmitting photographs back to Earth.
• China: Chang’e 3, which landed in 2013, was China’s first successful soft landing on the Moon. Chang’e 4, its successor, made history by landing on the far side of the Moon in 2019, conducting extensive surface analysis, and significantly contributing to lunar science.

Subsystems in the Chandrayaan 3 Spacecraft:

• Vikram Lander: This lander is designed to execute a soft landing on the Moon’s surface. And, aims to provide critical data on the Moon’s topography and mineral composition.

Lander Subsystems:

1. Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP)
2. Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA)
3. Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC)
4. Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera (LHDAC)
5. Laser Altimeter (LASA)
6. Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV)
7. Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC)
8. Micro Star sensor
9. Inclinometer & Touchdown sensors

• Pragyan Rover: This rover is engineered to explore the Moon’s surface post-landing, conducting various experiments and sending data back to Earth. Its design builds on the lessons learned from the previous missions, enhancing its ability to navigate and collect samples.
• Lander Actuators:Reaction wheels – 4 nos (10 Nms & 0.1 Nm)
• Lander Propulsion System:

i-Propellant Propulsion System (MMH + MON3), 4 nos. of 800 N Throttleable engines & 8 nos. of 58 N Throttleable Engine Control Electronics

• Deep Space Network: A robust communication subsystem is required to maintain contact between the spacecraft and the ground control. NASA’s Deep Space Network has helped ISRO in this regard, offering real-time tracking and command functionalities.
• Solar X-ray Monitor (SXM): Instruments like these are intended to collect scientific data. They serve to enhance our understanding of the Moon’s composition, thereby helping to address key scientific questions relating to Earth’s satellite.

The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is a state-of-the-art facility that employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt and respond to real-time changes in the rocket launch environment. The VLCC helps in ensuring the success of India’s space missions.

Role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ in the Successful Launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

• Real-time Telemetry: It is responsible for real-time monitoring of all subsystems of the spacecraft. Through advanced telemetry, the Centre ensures that each component, from propulsion to communications, is functioning as expected during the launch.
• Coordination: For the Chandrayaan-3 mission, multiple systems and departments had to work in tandem for the successful launch of the GSLV Mk III rocket. It played a critical role in synchronizing these efforts, ensuring seamless coordination between various ground systems.
• Anomaly Detection: In the event of an anomaly or unexpected condition during the launch, the Virtual Launch Control Centre provides crucial data for quick decision-making. Its sophisticated algorithms can trigger automated safety protocols if necessary.
• Resource Management: By creating a virtual environment, the Centre allows experts from various fields to contribute without being physically present at the launch site. This collective expertise can be critical in addressing complex challenges.
• Technological Advancements: The Centre incorporates cutting-edge technology for simulations and predictions. It uses Machine Learning algorithms to predict potential issues and offer solutions in real-time, significantly contributing to the successful launch of the mission.

Conclusion

The success of India’s third moon mission would be a significant milestone, elevating its stature in the realm of space exploration. It will not only bring technological prowess but also pave the way for future missions, making India a significant player in the future of space exploration.

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