[Model Answer QP2023 GS3] 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.
India’s third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, primarily focused on landing a rover on the moon.
Chandrayaan-3 will have three major objectives:
1. To demonstrate safe and soft landing on the surface of the moon.
2. To demonstrate rover operations on the moon.
3. To conduct in-situ scientific experiments on the lunar surface.
Countries that have achieved soft landings on the moon:
1. The United States: Successfully landed astronauts and equipment multiple times through the Apollo program.
2. The Soviet Union (now Russia): Achieved several uncrewed soft landings, especially through the Luna program.
3. China: Successfully landed rovers on the moon, notably with the Chang’e missions.
Subsystems in the Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft:
1. Orbiter: This remains in lunar orbit and performs remote sensing observations. It’s equipped with a suite of instruments to map the lunar surface, study the distribution of elements and minerals, and measure the moon’s plasma.
2. Lander: The main vehicle that attempts the soft landing. It houses the rover and several instruments designed to study the lunar surface, measure moonquakes, and analyze the properties of the lunar soil.
3. Rover: Once the lander touches down, the rover rolls out and explores the lunar surface. It’s equipped with instruments to analyze the lunar soil’s composition.
The lander carries four instruments, namely,
ILSA, a seismometer. RAMBHA-LP, a Langmuir Probe. CHASTE, a thermal probe. LRA, a Retroreflector from NASA.
Role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre:
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) introduced a Virtual Launch Control Centre for ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the launch activities even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its objectives include:
1. Remote Monitoring: It enabled scientists and engineers to remotely monitor and perform all the pre-launch checks and operations without being physically present at Sriharikota.
2. Data Access: The virtual center allowed access to all necessary data, telemetry, and control systems, making it as if the personnel were operating from the conventional control center.
3. Real-time Collaboration: It facilitated real-time communication and collaboration among teams spread across various locations.
4. Safety and Continuity: In light of the pandemic, this virtual approach ensured that mission-critical activities could proceed without risking the health and safety of the personnel.
