What is Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3 rocket consists of Lander and Rover configuration. It was launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit. The propulsion module has Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.

What is purpose of chandrayaan 3

Chandrayaan 3 has this three main resign for launch as per ISRO(International Organization for Standardization)

  • To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface
  • To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and
  • To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

The spacecraft is currently cruising in space and reached lunar orbit of moon on August 5 and the soft-landing attempt is likely to be on August 23. The spacecraft will cover the nearly 3,84,000 kilometers distance between the Earth and Moon in nearly 40 days, which is much longer than what the Apollo mission launched by Nasa would take.

What is In-situ scientific experiments

The lunar ISRU technologies will play key roles in in situ(means in the natural or original position) replenishment of survival matters, in situ construction of lunar habitats, and in situ acquirement of energy in future lunar exploration missions.
Major purposes of lunar ISRU development for future robotic and manned exploration missions include the following:

  • In situ supply of life-supporting matters, including water, oxygen, food, solar/electric energy, etc.
  • Construction and manufacturing of key facilities, including manned habitat, landing pads, scientific facilities, transport tools, and maintenance tools.
  • In situ supply of lunar-based rocket propellant, including hydrogen, oxygen, methane (CH4), etc.
  • Matter and facility supporting for lunar-based scientific research.
  • Transit and supply stations in cislunar space for Mars and other deep-space missions.

Total budget of Chandrayaan-3 and LUNA-25 and other competitor

Chandrayaan-3 (India): $72M
Luna-25 (Russia): $100M
Chang’e 4 (China): $180M
Artemis (USA): $20B+ (human spaceflight)

ISRO’s efficiency shines with Chandrayaan-3 being one of the most cost-effective missions in the world!