India’s third moon mission aimed to successfully land on the lunar south pole, a task that could not be achieved in its previous mission. This significant feat has been accomplished by only a few countries globally. The mission's success was supported by advanced spacecraft subsystems and the Virtual Launch Control Centre at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, crucial in ensuring a seamless launch from Sriharikota.

Q.16 What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Chandrayaan Mission marks India's successful endeavors in the space sector.

Body

Main Task of Chandrayaan-3

The primary objective of India's third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, is to achieve a successful soft landing on the lunar surface. This task could not be accomplished during the Chandrayaan-2 mission due to a last-minute glitch in the lander's descent, which led to a hard landing.

Countries That Have Achieved a Successful Soft Landing on the Moon

  1. United States: NASA's Apollo missions and various robotic landers.
  2. Soviet Union/Russia: Luna program.
  3. China: Chang'e missions.

Subsystems in the Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft

  1. Lander Module (LM)some text
    • Structure: Designed to withstand the harsh lunar environment and ensure a safe landing.
    • Propulsion System: Used for descent and landing maneuvers.
    • Navigation and Guidance: Ensures accurate landing on the lunar surface.
    • Communication System: Facilitates communication with the Earth and the orbiter.
    • Scientific Instruments: Includes payloads for conducting experiments on the lunar surface.
  2. Roversome text
    • Mobility System: Allows the rover to move on the lunar surface.
    • Power System: Solar panels and batteries to power the rover.
    • Scientific Instruments: Equipped with tools to analyze the lunar soil and rocks.
  3. Propulsion Modulesome text
    • Orbiter: Provides the necessary thrust to place the lander in the lunar orbit.
    • Communication System: Acts as a relay between the lander and Earth.

Role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre played a crucial role in the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota. Here are the key functions and contributions of the VLCC:

  1. Remote Monitoring and Controlsome text
    • The VLCC allows scientists and engineers to monitor and control the launch operations remotely. This is particularly useful for coordinating activities across different locations.
  2. Real-time Data Analysissome text
    • The centre provides real-time data analysis of various parameters during the launch. This helps in making quick decisions and addressing any anomalies that may arise.
  3. Simulation and Testingsome text
    • The VLCC is equipped with advanced simulation tools that allow for thorough testing of the launch sequence. This ensures that all systems are functioning correctly before the actual launch.
  4. Coordination with Ground Stationssome text
    • The centre coordinates with various ground stations to ensure seamless communication and data transfer during the launch and subsequent phases of the mission.
  5. Backup and Redundancysome text
    • The VLCC serves as a backup control centre, providing redundancy in case of any issues with the primary launch control centre at Sriharikota.

Conclusion

Chandrayaan-3 aims to achieve a successful soft landing on the lunar surface, a task that eluded Chandrayaan-2. The mission involves sophisticated subsystems in the lander, rover, and propulsion module, each playing a critical role in the mission's success. The Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre significantly contributed to the successful launch by providing remote monitoring, real-time data analysis, simulation, and coordination with ground stations. This mission marks a significant step forward in India's lunar exploration efforts.

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