In a candid and insightful discussion, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mr. S. Somanath, shed light on the intricate challenges that lie ahead for Chandrayaan-3, India’s ambitious lunar mission.
Mr. Somanath emphasized that the initial phase of Chandrayaan-3’s journey, up to an altitude of 100 km, has been executed with precision and without any hiccups. The spacecraft’s trajectory and systems are functioning as intended, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering that ISRO is renowned for.
However, Mr. Somanath candidly acknowledged that the upcoming phase presents a more intricate and demanding set of challenges. As Chandrayaan-3 ventures beyond the 100 km mark, it will encounter a series of intricate maneuvers and conditions that demand careful navigation and flawless execution.
One of the key challenges highlighted by Mr. Somanath is the intricate lunar descent and landing process. As the spacecraft approaches the moon’s surface, it must contend with a myriad of factors, including reduced gravity, uneven terrain, and the need for pinpoint accuracy to ensure a safe and successful landing.
Mr. Somanath further elaborated that this delicate phase demands an exceptional level of precision, as even the slightest deviation from the planned trajectory could have significant implications for the mission’s success. The team at ISRO is rigorously analyzing and fine-tuning every aspect of the descent and landing process to ensure that Chandrayaan-3 overcomes these challenges with flying colors.
The ISRO chief’s insights into the challenges of Chandrayaan-3 underscore the dedication and determination of the organization to push the boundaries of space exploration. Despite the hurdles that lie ahead, ISRO’s team of experts is fully committed to achieving a successful lunar landing and contributing valuable data to our understanding of the moon.
As Chandrayaan-3 continues its journey towards the lunar surface, the world watches with anticipation and admiration for the remarkable feats that ISRO has consistently achieved. The challenges are formidable, but with ISRO’s proven track record and unwavering commitment, Chandrayaan-3 is poised to leave an indelible mark on the annals of space exploration.
ISRO chief spoke about the challenges of Chandrayaan-3:
- S Somnath asserts that issues do not arise until the spacecraft reaches 100 km. The primary challenge is accurately determining the lander’s Earth-based position.
- India’s ISRO, the space science research center, has affirmed that ‘Chandrayaan 3’ is presently in a healthy orbit around the moon. ISRO’s head, S Somnath, discussed the forthcoming phase’s major difficulty.
- Positioning proves to be the central challenge for Chandrayaan 3, states ISRO’s leader. The challenge emerges at the 100 km mark. Chandrayaan-3’s significant trial involves transitioning from a circular orbit to lunar orbit.
- Meanwhile, ISRO is pursuing multiple strategies to place Chandrayaan 3 into a 100 km circular orbit between August 9 and 17. If all goes according to plan, the Vikram lander is scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface on August 23, signifying another achievement for ISRO.
- S Somnath underscores that issues do not surface until the 100 km mark. The main challenge is accurately gauging the lander’s position from Earth. This measurement holds immense significance and is termed the orbit determination process. With correct data, subsequent processes can proceed seamlessly.
- The ISRO chief affirms that everything is proceeding according to the established plan. He comments, ‘We have precisely executed the descent this time, with orbital adjustments proceeding as anticipated. No deviations have occurred, yielding excellent outcomes. We are optimistic about a successful outcome.’
- Discussing the setbacks faced during Chandrayaan-2, Somnath emphasizes that the lessons from Chandrayaan-2 have been invaluable. Extensive analyses led to changes in the Chandrayaan-3 mission to rectify past shortcomings.
Chandrayaan-3 is a challenging mission, but ISRO is confident that it will be successful. The mission will help India to further its space exploration capabilities, and it will also provide valuable scientific data about the Moon.
