Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is a name that really surprises many, mainly because of the stark contrast of its budget compared to other contemporary space research organizations. What really amazes and earns the envy of all is the phenomenal success of ISRO despite working on a significantly reduced budget. In fact, they have managed to set a world record by successfully launching the highest number of satellites using a single rocket. It is also worth noting that ISRO has already achieved the feat of sending three spacecraft to the Moon, which demonstrates their impressive capabilities as an Indian agency in space exploration. Below is a detailed account of notable lunar missions conducted by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan 1:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
The first question that arises is why choose the moon as a destination again? Apart from the United States, other countries such as the Soviet Union, Japan, China and Europe have also launched unmanned missions to the moon. So, what prompted India to join this list? Is it just to show off their technical skills? no Despite numerous previous missions to the Moon, there are still many important aspects about it that remain unknown. With this ongoing exploration, the fascination surrounding the Moon has been revived. This has led countries like India, Japan, China and Europe to launch new expeditions to further investigate the moon’s mysteries. India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission was a significant contribution to this collective effort. The spacecraft began its mission on November 8, 2008.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Purpose:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-1 mission was to create a comprehensive map of the Moon, focusing on its chemical composition, mineralogy and geological features. Additionally, this mission marked a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as it was their inaugural venture into deep space exploration, operating at considerable distances from Earth. Thus, it was important for Chandrayaan-1 not only to achieve its scientific objectives, but also to demonstrate ISRO’s technological prowess. The spacecraft began its mission on November 8, 2008.The spacecraft launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sri-Harikota, India, using a slightly modified version of the famous Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket developed by ISRO. After a successful launch, the spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit on November 8, marking a milestone in its mission.marked significant milestones. Subsequently, on 14 November, a momentous event occurred as the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was deliberately separated from the rover. Following the meticulously planned plan, the MIP collided dramatically with the Moon’s surface, leaving an indelible mark on our celestial companion.The groundbreaking MIP technology, which weighs a remarkable 34 kilograms, proudly represents India as the first Indian innovation to successfully make its way to the lunar surface. Embellished with the iconic Indian flag, this remarkable feat symbolizes the nation’s remarkable leap towards lunar exploration. The primary motive behind sending this technological marvel to the moon was to carefully analyze the invaluable data it sent back. Housing a trio of state-of-the-art technologies like video imaging system, radar altimeter and mass spectrometer, MIP undoubtedly showcased India’s prowess in lunar research. In particular, the Moon’s spectrometer has played an important role in unraveling its mysteries, carefully examining the complex composition of the Moon’s atmosphere.Chandrayaan-1 was equipped with an array of 11 scientific instruments, commonly called payloads, which contributed significantly to its mission. Notably, India has led the development of these five instruments, demonstrating their technological prowess. Additionally, the European Space Agency has played an important role by contributing three instruments, including a joint collaboration with ISRO. The remaining three instruments were developed by NASA, including the widely acclaimed ‘Moon Mineralogy Mapper’ (M-3). The inclusion of these various instruments from different countries exemplifies the exceptional level of coordination achieved among international organizations during the Chandrayaan-1 mission.The spacecraft had a distinct cubic shape overall with a mass of about 1380 kg. Notably, a solar panel extends from one side, using solar energy to act as a source of electricity. Additionally, to store this energy, the spacecraft relied on lithium ion batteries.One of the most notable achievements of Chandrayaan-1 was its contribution to confirming the presence of water ice on the Moon. By transmitting valuable data from NASA’s M-3 spacecraft, it was possible to gather substantial evidence of the existence of hydrogen-oxygen bonds, strongly suggesting the presence of hydroxyl or water in the lunar soil. This breakthrough discovery was further supported by data from two different missions, ultimately leading NASA to conclusively confirm the existence of water ice on the Moon.Because of M-3’s limited ability to penetrate deep into the soil, scientists have hypothesized that water is likely located near the surface of the moon. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence to indicate that water concentrations are significantly higher towards the polar regions. In September 2009, NASA released this important information in an effort to determine the exact location of water on the Moon. Following their announcement, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced that data transmitted from their Moon Impact Probe (MIP) also demonstrated compelling evidence in support of the existence of water on the Moon. Prior to this groundbreaking discovery, there was a lack of solid evidence for the presence of water on the Moon.Almost fifty years ago, the intrepid Apollo astronauts embarked on an extraordinary mission to the moon and returned with an extraordinary collection of rocks. After meticulously examining these lunar samples, scientists were initially disappointed to discover only tiny traces of water. This puzzling revelation led them to hypothesize that the water detected in these rocks could be introduced during their transport to Earth rather than native to the Moon. The confusion arose from the fact that the oxygen isotopes found on the Moon and Earth were remarkably similar, further complicating the distinction between lunar and terrestrial water sources. However, after years of relentless research and breakthroughs in technology, a breakthrough finally emerged in the form of data analysis from the esteemed Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1 mission, as well as the invaluable contributions of NASA’s Cassini and Deep Impact. Search missions. These collaborative efforts have uncovered a number of compelling lines of evidence that unequivocally support the existence of water on the Moon, thus dispelling longstanding skepticism surrounding this mysterious celestial body.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Final changes:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
When the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was launched, it was initially expected to remain operational for two years. However, on August 29, 2009, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) unfortunately lost contact with the spacecraft. Yet, prior to this loss of communication, the spacecraft had consistently and accurately transmitted data from the Moon, providing valuable information that was not questioned or doubted by anyone. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the relatively low cost of the mission, with India spending only Rs 380 crore. A significant portion of this fund, amounting to Rs 100 crore, was earmarked for the construction of the Indian Deep Space Network (ISDN). It is important to note that ISDN was established not only for the purpose of the Chandrayaan-1 mission but also with the intention of serving future missions.It is worth noting that despite losing contact in 2009, Chandrayaan-1’s journey was far from over. In a remarkable turn of events, in March 2017, clever researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) were able to detect the presence of Chandrayaan-1 using radar technology. Amazingly, this lunar orbiter silently navigates the moon’s orbit, as if stuck in a perpetual state of celestial meditation. The brilliant minds at JPL developed an interplanetary radar system specifically designed to detect spacecraft that have been damaged or become space debris in the vast expanses of space. This pioneering technology proved to be a difficult task when relying solely on optical telescopes, especially around the Moon. The brightness of the moon poses a significant challenge, obscuring the visibility of these tiny objects and making their detection a formidable undertaking.The invention of radar was a significant breakthrough aimed at overcoming a particular obstacle. To evaluate the effectiveness and potential of this radar technology, a dedicated project was initiated with the primary objective of detecting and identifying Chandrayaan-1. Think of the enormous challenge of finding a space object that has been missing for just eight years! Furthermore, this object has been relatively short, making the task more difficult. Nevertheless, the brilliant minds of NASA were able to accomplish this remarkable feat. Their tireless efforts were focused on locating Chandrayaan-1, which is known to be at a considerable distance of 380,000 km from our planet Earth.To continue the success of India’s Chandrayaan mission, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan 2:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan-2’s primary mission was to successfully land on the Moon, a feat expected to be accomplished on September 7, 2019. Learning from the experience of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO took a conscious decision to exclude any foreign payload from this mission. However, a smaller laser retroreflector provided by NASA was later agreed upon, as its weight was negligible. Just like its predecessor Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 was launched from the same launch pad. On July 22, the spacecraft began its journey using the Advanced Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). Chandrayaan-2 was a significant leap over its predecessor, as it included not only an orbiter and a lander but also a lunar rover. What makes this mission even more remarkable is that it was carried out at a much lower cost than similar efforts by other countries. India’s ability to conduct cost-effective missions has served as an inspiration to other nations, further enhancing its reputation in space exploration. Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission undertaken by ISRO, was a proud achievement for India as it demonstrated the country’s capability to develop a fully indigenous vehicle. Every component used in the mission was manufactured in India, highlighting the country’s technological prowess.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Purpose:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
The primary goal of this mission was to search for lunar water in the polar regions, a task that required the deployment of the lunar rover, Pragyan, by ISRO. Pragyan was specifically designed to analyze soil chemistry and transmit the data back to the lander, Vikram Nam, which would then relay it to the ground station. It was estimated that the rover would operate for 14 days, relying on solar power for power. In terms of its orbit, the vehicle will orbit the Moon at a distance of 100 km, performing passive experiments similar to those conducted during the Chandrayaan 1 mission. After the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, it became clear that further exploration of the Moon’s atmosphere and the existence of water was essential. However, due to the challenges faced by humans in reaching the Moon, it was decided that Chandrayaan-2 would be an unmanned vehicle. Extensive preparations were made for its launch on September 7, 2019, ensuring that it was well equipped to meet its objectives.Between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., a collective decision was made to begin the descent process of this extraordinary vehicle. The citizens of the country, along with the prestigious Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), were filled with immense anticipation and optimism about this vehicle because of its potential to revolutionize our understanding of various phenomena. It was primarily designed for seismic exploration, scientific exploration, mineral detection, chemical makeup of the Earth’s surface and testing the physical properties of soil in complex areas.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Final changes:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan Mission 2 achieved an impressive 95% success rate in successfully placing the orbiter into lunar orbit. However, on 7 September 2019, the Vikram lander encountered a setback while attempting a soft landing on the lunar surface. Unfortunately, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) lost contact with Vikram when it was only 2 km from the moon’s surface. Despite ISRO’s relentless efforts to restore communication with the lander, their efforts proved unsuccessful. This unfortunate turn of events meant that valuable data collected by Vikram and its companion rover, Pragyan, could not be combined. Moreover, it is important to highlight the significance of Chandrayaan Mission 2 and its potential. If the lander had landed successfully, it would have provided the rover with invaluable information about the Moon’s properties, enabling a more detailed understanding of our celestial neighbor. Although the mission failed to be a complete success, the people of India are proud of their country’s pioneering efforts. This mission marked a historic milestone as it was the first attempt to reach the surface of the Moon, which no other nation had achieved so far. It should be noted that the mission was not considered 100% successful as the lander drifted about 2 km from its intended path. This deviation caused the spacecraft to lose contact with ISRO, further highlighting the challenges faced during this ambitious mission.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan 3:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Chandrayaan-3, the latest lunar exploration mission undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), marks the third installment in their series of lunar missions. This ambitious endeavour, much like its predecessor Chandrayaan-2, includes a lander and intelligence rover, though without the inclusion of an orbiter. However, what sets Chandrayaan-3 apart is its intelligent propulsion module, which acts as a communication relay satellite, illuminating the spacecraft with its glow. This extraordinary module carefully carries the configuration of the lander and rover until the spacecraft reaches an impressive 100 km lunar orbit. On the momentous day of July 14, 2023, at exactly 2:35 pm IST, Chandrayaan-3 was launched majestically into the vast expanse of space. With great precision and meticulous planning, it successfully achieved lunar injection, deftly turning itself into a mesmerizing 100 km orbit. This important milestone, constituting the first phase of the mission, was met with tremendous success, further motivating the team at ISRO. As the mission progresses, the next eagerly awaited step is the imminent landing of the lander and rover near the lunar south polar region. This monumental event is set to take place on August 23, 2023, a date that will forever be etched in the history of space exploration. With bated breath, the world is waiting for this wonderful moment when Chandrayaan-3 will usher in a new era of discovery and scientific advancement.The president of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the concerns surrounding the project.K. Sivan said the financial outlay for the venture would be around Rs 615 crore in Indian currency.Chandrayaan-3 will touch down on the lunar surface at exactly 2:35:17 PM using the power of the M4 rocket launched from the famous ‘Baahubali’ Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV3) at the respected Satish Dhawan Space Center in Srihari Kota, Andhra Pradesh.If all goes according to plan, Chandraya-3 is expected to land on the lunar surface in the third week of August, specifically on August 23 or 24.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
Purpose:-(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has outlined three primary goals for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. First, it aims to ensure a safe and adaptive landing of the lander on the lunar surface, taking into account the challenging conditions and terrain. Second, the mission intends to thoroughly observe and demonstrate the rover’s ability to navigate and explore the Moon, providing valuable insight into its roaming capabilities. Ultimately, Chandrayaan-3 aims to deepen our understanding of the Moon’s composition by conducting extensive in-situ observations and experiments on material present on the lunar surface, enabling scientists to gain important knowledge about this celestial body.(Chandrayaan: India’s Journey to the Moon)