Shillong, August 23: In a momentous achievement, India’s moon lander gently touched down on the lunar surface as planned, positioning itself near the South Pole.
This remarkable feat makes India the fourth nation globally to accomplish such a landing. After traveling a distance of about 384,000 kilometers over 40 days, the lander achieved its precise landing.
As per a report in IANS, the successful landing marks a significant milestone in the Rs 600 crore Chandrayaan-3 mission. The mission’s remainder involves the moon rover emerging from the lander, conducting programmed experiments, and maneuvering around.
Comprising a propulsion module (2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg), and a rover (26 kg), the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has been meticulously designed. The moon rover features instruments such as the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) to analyze elemental composition.
The lander’s payloads include Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) for temperature and thermal conductivity measurements, Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) to detect seismicity, and Langmuir Probe (LP) to assess plasma density. Additionally, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is on board for lunar laser ranging studies.
Both the lander and rover are designed for a mission life of 1 Lunar day or approximately 14 Earth days.
The propulsion module, meanwhile, carries the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, aimed at studying Earth from the lunar orbit. Its payload’s life expectancy post-lander ejection is between three and six months.
The intense 19-minute landing sequence concluded with the lander touching down on the moon’s surface at 6.05 p.m., following an orchestrated series of braking maneuvers.
This triumph follows the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s Vikram lander, which experienced an unfortunate crash during its landing attempt.
A crucial aspect of this accomplishment is the complex series of maneuvers for soft landing, involving both rough and fine braking. Precise imaging of the landing site before the actual landing is a key safety measure.
The process involved a powered descent from an altitude of about 30 km, with the automatic landing sequence activating. Rough braking gradually decreased the lander’s speed from 1,680 meters per second to 358 meters per second, and the altitude was brought down to 7.4 km above the lunar surface.
The lander transitioned to a vertical position, hovering 150 meters over the moon to survey and select a secure landing spot. A safe landing ensued, utilizing two out of four engines.
Communication channels between the Mission Operations Complex at ISTRAC, Bengaluru, Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module, and the lander/rover are established. Additionally, the lander is connected to Chandrayaan-2’s Orbiter for redundant communication.
As the propulsion module continues its lunar orbit with the SHAPE payload, Chandrayaan-3’s success reflects India’s prowess in space exploration. The spacecraft was launched into orbit on July 14, showcasing India’s capabilities in executing complex missions.