The Moon is our nearest and natural satellite that provides the best linkage to Earth's early history. It is also a promising testbed to demonstrate the technologies required for deep-space missions. It offers an undisturbed historical record of the inner Solar system environment. Though there are a few mature models, the origin of the Moon still needs further explanation. Extensive mapping of the lunar surface to study variations in the composition is essential to trace its origin and evolution.
Evidence of water molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1, requires further studies on the extent of water molecule distribution on the surface, below the surface and in the tenuous lunar exosphere to address the origin of water on the celestial body.The Chandrayaan-2 mission has shown courage and confidence by landing boldly where no country has ever gone before — the Moon's south polar region. The mission has broadened our understanding of the Moon with new insights and experiences that will benefit India, and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences demonstrate a paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions will be approached for years to come — propelling further voyages into the farthest frontiers.
The lunar South Pole is especially interesting because the surface area that remains in shadow is much larger than the North Pole. There is a possibility of the presence of water in the permanently shadowed areas surrounding around it. In addition, the region has craters that are cold traps and contain a fossil record of the early Solar System.
Race for space
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| Chandrayaan-2 is India’s attempt to become a major player in the race for dominance in space |
| The mission’s aim is to carry out chemical analysis of lunar soil, continue Chandrayaan-1’s search for water and study Moon’s crust |
| The mission has generated much craze across the country; Mumbai’s popular Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol sits in a set inspired by Chandrayaan-2 |
The integrated module of Chandrayaan-2, which comprises technology and software developed across the country, includes ISRO's most powerful launch vehicle to date and a wholly indigenous rover. The mission had a great impact in fostering a new age of discovery, increasing our understanding of space, stimulating the advancement of technology, promoting global alliances, and inspiring a future generation of explorers and scientists.
The mission also helped in expanding India's footprint in space with great motivation for the future generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers and surpass international aspirations. Chandrayaan-2 will be aided in achieving its mission by some of India's most advanced engineering marvels.
The writer is an advisor at Gujarat Council on Science & Technology in Gandhinagar
Moon Math
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| Rs 978 cr cost of the mission |
| 110 number of space missions to the Moon so far |
| 3.84L km distance covered by the mission |
