MOON MISSIONS
1. Context
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota on July 14, 2023, is India's third lunar mission and second attempt to make a soft landing on the surface of the Moon.
It is one of several space missions lined up to go to the celestial body, including Russia's Luna 25 mission and NASA's Artemis II.
2. Background
- In the past one-and-a-half-decade, there has been a renewed interest in exploring the Moon.
- After the last Apollo mission in the early 1970s, there was a complete lull regarding sending spacecraft there as everything that could be done on the Moon with the technology of that time had been done.
- Although this began to change in the 1990s, the real impetus came after Chandrayaan-1, in 2008, discovered the presence of water on the lunar surface.
3. Types of Moon Missions
Flybys: These are missions in which the spacecraft passes near the Moon but does not get into an orbit around it. Flybys are often used to study the Moon from a distance or to gather data on its composition.
Orbiters: These are spacecraft that orbit the Moon and can study it in detail. Orbiters are the most common type of moon mission, and they have been used to map the Moon's surface, study its atmosphere, and look for signs of water.
Impact missions: These are missions in which one or more instruments on board the spacecraft make an uncontrolled landing on the lunar surface. Impact missions can be used to study the composition of the lunar surface or to search for water ice.
Landers: These are missions in which the spacecraft lands softly on the Moon's surface. Landers allow scientists to study the Moon's surface up close and to collect samples.
Rovers: These are wheeled vehicles that are deployed from landers to explore the Moon's surface. Rovers can travel further than landers and can collect more data.
Human missions: These are missions in which humans land on the Moon. Human missions allow scientists to conduct experiments on the Moon's surface and to collect samples that cannot be brought back by robots.
4. The Chandrayaan-3 Mission
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a lander mission, and it will carry a rover to explore the Moon's surface.
- The lander will also deploy several instruments to study the Moon's composition and atmosphere.
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant step forward in India's lunar exploration program.
- It will help scientists to learn more about the Moon and its potential resources.
- The mission will also pave the way for future human missions to the Moon.
5. Conclusion
- The current wave of lunar exploration, represented by missions like Chandrayaan-3, Luna 25, and Artemis II, demonstrates the ongoing global interest in unlocking the Moon's secrets and potential.
- These missions, alongside past endeavours, continue to expand our understanding of the Moon's composition, resources, and possibilities for future scientific and commercial endeavours.
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For Prelims: Chandrayaan-3, Luna 25, Artemis II, Satish Dhawan Space Center, lunar mission, NASA, ISRO, Apollo mission,
For Mains:
1. Examine the challenges involved in achieving a successful soft landing on the Moon's surface. Discuss the significance of Chandrayaan-3 as India's second attempt in making a soft landing and its implications for future lunar exploration. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024? (SSC MTS 2021)
A. Orion B. Apollo C. Artemis D. Nike
Answer: C
2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located at (MP Police Constable 2017)
A. Thiruvananthapuram B. Sriharikota C. Narendrapuri D. Mahendragiri
Answer: B
3. Sriharikota, where Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located, is situated next to which lake? (Haryana Civil Services 2021)
A. Chilika B. Pulicat C. Vembanad D. Kolar
Answer: B
4. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020)
A. Voyager-2 B. New Horizons C. LISA Pathfinder D. Evolved LISA
Answer: D
5. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020)
A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research
Answer: A
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Source: The Indian Express
