Chandrayaan-2: India’s Low-Cost Lunar Mission and Its Role in Lunar Exploration

Since the Moon landing of Apollo 11 in 1969, the lunar exploration has captivated the collective imagination of humanity. In recent times, India has emerged as a significant player in this endeavor through its Chandrayaan-2 mission. Launched on July 14, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 is the second lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was designed to explore the Moon’s south pole with unprecedented precision and cost-effectiveness. This article delves into the science, objectives, and significance of Chandrayaan-2 in the context of space exploration and lunar pioneers.

The Science Behind the Mission

The Chandrayaan-2 mission is a significant scientific endeavor aimed at expanding our understanding of the Moon, particularly its geological history and potential for future human missions. The mission's primary objective is to send an orbiter, lander, and rover to the southern polar region of the Moon, an area less explored compared to the northern hemisphere. This south polar region is rich in water ice and receives sunlight, making it an ideal location for potential future human missions to Mars.

Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover: The mission includes the Vikram lander, named after the founder of the Indian space program, Vikram Sarabhai, and the Pragyan rover. The Vikram lander weighs 1,471 kg, while the Pragyan rover weighs 27 kg. The lander and rover will study the lunar surface in unprecedented detail, providing vital data for future astronaut missions. The rover will travel over the lunar surface, collecting data and transmitting it back to the lander and then to the orbiter.

Orbiter and Its Suite of Instruments

The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter will serve as the command center for the mission, responsible for navigating the spacecraft to the Moon, placing it in orbit, and communicating with the lander and rover. The orbiter is equipped with several scientific instruments designed to collect data on the Moon's topography, mineralogy, and atmosphere.

Key Scientific Instruments:

Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC): This camera provides high-resolution images of the lunar surface, aiding in detailed topographical mapping. Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC): Similar to TMC, but offers even higher resolution to assist the lander in navigating towards the target landing site. Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS): This instrument detects molecules and helps in studying the lunar surface composition. Infrared Spectrometer: Provides information on the surface material composition, including water ice. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Used to detect sub-surface water ice and determine the thickness of the lunar soil. Solar X-ray Spectrometer: Investigates the interaction between the solar wind and the Moon’s atmosphere. Thermal and Exospheric Sciences (TES): Studies the temperature variations on the lunar surface and the Moon's exosphere.

Target Landing Site: The South Pole

The Chandrayaan-2 mission targets the South Pole of the Moon, an area rich in water ice and subject to constant sunlight. These characteristics make it an ideal site for future human missions, like those planned under NASA's Artemis program. The chosen landing site, between craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N, is approximately 70 degrees south of the equator, where the lander and rover will make history.

Significance and Future Implications

The Chandrayaan-2 mission holds significant implications for both scientific discovery and future space missions. It helps in planning and preparing for potential human missions to Mars by providing detailed data on lunar terrain, resources, and conditions. Understanding the Moon's geological history aids in the study of other rocky bodies in the solar system, enhancing our knowledge of planetary science.

Moreover, the low-cost nature of the Chandrayaan-2 mission sets a new benchmark for space exploration, demonstrating that ambitious space missions can be achieved without immense financial resources. This approach encourages other nations and private enterprises to contribute to space exploration, fostering a global collaborative effort towards the exploration of the Moon and beyond.

In conclusion, Chandrayaan-2 exemplifies how India has joined the ranks of lunar pioneers, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Moon and paving the way for future space exploration.