DNA Explainer: Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing and rover mission; what to expect on moon

The Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module is set to touch down on the Moon's surface at 6:04 pm this upcoming Wednesday, less than 30 hours away. With this imminent landing, the Lander Module is currently on the hunt for the perfect landing spot on the lunar surface. This momentous event is on the horizon, with the potential to mark a historic achievement.

A senior scientist from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has mentioned that if certain conditions don't align favorably, the landing might be rescheduled to August 27th.

This lunar mission is focused on the Moon's southern polar region, a place known to contain water ice or frozen water. This valuable resource could serve as oxygen, fuel, and water for upcoming lunar missions or even a permanent moon settlement.

Nonetheless, the true undertaking for ISRO scientists begins after the touchdown. Their attention will shift to operating the rover for a lunar day, equivalent to 14 Earth days. During this time, they'll meticulously analyze an abundance of data streaming in from five scientific instruments situated on both the lander and rover.

So, what's next after the touchdown? Upon a successful landing, Chandrayaan-3 is projected to operate effectively for two weeks. It will embark on a series of experiments, including a thorough analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface using a spectrometer.

Shortly following the landing, one side panel of the Vikram lander will unfurl, creating a ramp for the Pragyan rover. Within four hours, the six-wheeled Pragyan rover, proudly adorned with the national flag and ISRO logo, will roll off the lander and onto the lunar surface. It will move at a leisurely pace of 1 centimeter per second.

As the rover progresses, its navigation cameras will survey the lunar terrain. In its wake, it will leave behind impressions of the tricolor Indian flag and the ISRO logo etched onto the lunar soil. The rover is equipped with specialized instruments and payloads designed to collect data about the Moon's surface. Communication lines will link the rover with the lander, which in turn will transmit information back to Earth.

Now, let's delve into the subjects that the lander and rover are poised to investigate. The goals of the Chandrayaan-3 mission encompass demonstrating a safe and gentle landing on the lunar surface, showcasing rover mobility on the Moon, and conducting on-site scientific experiments.

Beyond these goals, the payloads affixed to both the lander and rover possess the capability to carry out diverse studies and transmit vital data regarding lunar attributes, geological processes, and formation history.

The spacecraft carries an assortment of eight payloads, including one contributed by NASA, the United States' space agency. These payloads are designed to amass data about the Moon's elemental composition and transmit this information to the lander.

Here's a glimpse into the functions of the payloads accompanying the lander and rover:

1. The Vikram lander, equipped with three payloads, will gauge the density of near-surface plasma, investigate thermal characteristics of the lunar surface, and monitor seismic activities around the landing area. These investigations hold pivotal significance for forthcoming lunar exploration endeavors, especially if human presence on the Moon becomes more sustained or serves as a launchpad for interplanetary voyages.

2. A pair of payloads—Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) and Langmuir probe (LP)—will undertake experiments to scrutinize plasma activities near the lunar surface.

3. The Lander Module carries a special instrument, the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA). ILSA's primary role is to identify and analyze lunar quakes, which are vibrations beneath the Moon's surface. Confirmation of these quakes could potentially unlock exciting opportunities for future exploration, as reported by India Today.

4. Chandra’s Surface Thermo-Physical Experiment (ChaSTE), one of the payloads housed in the Lander Module, will provide invaluable insights into the lunar surface's reaction to temperature variations. This information aids in comprehending the processes that have shaped the Moon's landscape over millions of years.

5. The Lander also incorporates the LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA), a passive experiment that aids in understanding the dynamics of the Moon-Earth system. Additionally, it facilitates real-time distance measurements between the Moon and Earth. This knowledge holds implications for accurately predicting tidal patterns, comprehending ocean currents, and managing coastal environments.

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