In a bid to further enhance India's space exploration endeavors, the Chandrayaan-3 mission is gearing up to build on the successes of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. This mission aims to demonstrate advanced capabilities in safe lunar landing and surface roving. Comprising a Lander and Rover configuration, Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled for launch atop the LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
The propulsion module will ferry the Lander and Rover to a lunar orbit of 100 kilometers, setting the stage for a remarkable showcase of interplanetary technology. An intriguing aspect of the propulsion module is its Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, designed to conduct spectral and polarimetric observations of Earth from a lunar vantage point.
The Lander segment of the mission is equipped with an array of scientific instruments. The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will gauge thermal conductivity and temperature variations, while the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) is poised to measure seismic events around the landing site. Additionally, the Langmuir Probe (LP) will delve into plasma density fluctuations. Collaboratively, these payloads aim to unravel crucial lunar insights.
The Rover component is equally compelling, boasting the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS). These instruments are primed to analyze the elemental composition of the lunar terrain near the landing site, contributing invaluable data for lunar scientific exploration.
With its launch on the horizon, Chandrayaan-3 holds immense promise for India's space ambitions. This mission's LVM3 M4 rocket is tasked with delivering the integrated module into an Elliptic Parking Orbit (EPO) with dimensions of approximately 170 x 36,500 kilometers. As the mission unfolds, it aims to pave the way for further breakthroughs in lunar exploration and technological advancement.
Credits: ISRO
