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Chandrayaan 2: India’s Second Mission for Lunar Exploration

For this India’s second mission, we will examine the lunar surface’s topography, seismography, mineral identification and distribution, surface chemical composition, thermo-physical characteristics of the topsoil, and the tenuous lunar atmosphere to better understand its genesis and evolution.

On 14 August 2019, the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was able to break away from Earth’s orbit and begin its journey toward the moon after a manoeuvre known as TLI, a type of orbital separation manoeuvre. After a successful launch on 20 August, Chandrayaan-2 is already in lunar orbit.

Laboratory Experiments

With unprecedented access to the moon’s surface and atmosphere, NASA’s Chandrayaan-2 India’s second mission will help us better comprehend the moon’s past. To better understand the moon’s genesis and evolution, we must look at this.

In addition, a 3D mapping of the lunar regolith is planned. The electron density and plasma near-surface environment of the moon’s ionosphere will be studied, and it will also investigate the lunar surface’s thermophysical and seismic qualities. We’ll utilise infra-red, polarimetry, and mass-spectrometry techniques to analyse water molecules’ distribution in the atmosphere.

India Chandrayaan-2 Rover Mission

Lander Vikram chose the alternate landing place instead of the original landing spot. For the rest of the time, the graphics were not accessible. Isro chairman K Sivan stated that communication from the Vikram lander had been lost, although data was still being examined.

A major milestone in India’s second mission was achieved on 20 August when the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft completed the Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) manoeuvre. On 22 August, Isro released the first picture of the moon captured by Chandrayaan-2. On 2 September, ‘Vikram’ completed two de-orbiting procedures to move the Lander closer to the moon.

Indian space exploration pioneer Vikram Sarabhai’s 1,471 kg “Vikram” was designed to land on the moon, stay operational for a full lunar day, or 14 days on Earth, and then return to Earth.

Solar power is used to run Pragyan, a 27-kilogram robotic vehicle that can go 500 metres from the landing site on the moon. If the Lander is successful, Pragyaan will use its two payloads to perform a thorough exploration of the moon’s surface.

Chandrayaan is one example of how international interest in space is again on the rise (Sanskrit for “moon vehicle”). The US, China, and private companies are all competing head-to-head in the race to examine anything from resource extraction to moon and Mars settlements.

The Launch of Chandrayaan-2

  • On 22 July 2019, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota launched Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission.

  • On 2 September 2019, the Lunar Orbiter was launched into lunar orbit, carrying eight experiments to investigate the moon’s geology. Overall, we’re delighted with the findings of our research. Because of this, there is a good chance that the pre-launch promises will be fulfilled.

  • The Lander may execute a gentle landing on the moon’s surface on a lunar day, equal to 14 Earth days. Before takeoff, Vikram Lander lost contact with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

  • An Indian Space Research Organisation team attempted to re-establish communication with the Vikram Lander.

  • An image shot by the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, currently in its assigned lunar orbit, led ISRO Chairman K Sivan to assert that ISRO has spotted the Vikram Lander. Despite this, there hasn’t been any communication between the two sides. 

On 2 September 2019, the orbiter crossed over the lunar poles, and the Vikram lander was deployed at a distance of about 100 kilometres from the surface. The orbit’s diameter is only 119 X 127 kilometres, making it practically round. On 1 September 2019, Chandrayaan-2 completed its sixth orbit-lowering manoeuvre, bringing it to this almost circular orbit.

On early 20 August 2019, Chandrayaan-2 completed its mission to the moon. ISRO reports that Vikram and Pragyan have separated from the orbiter and are en route to the moon.

Chandrayaan-2’s Lunar Transfer Trajectory was completed on 14 August 2019. When it came to landing on the moon, China was just one of three countries that made it there, with the United States, Russia, and Japan following close behind.

At 2:43 p.m. on 22 July 2019, Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, successfully launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota space station. A new period of history is being written in India right now. This is a proud moment for everyone in the country, and everyone will be able to see the moon’s shadowy side.

Chandrayaan-2, India’s Second Lunar Mission

India’s scientists and engineers were responsible for the entire Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon. When originally slated to get into orbit, Chandrayaan-2 was postponed because of a technical issue. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota launched the mission on 22 July 2019, using a GSLV-MkIII rocket. A decade after India’s first lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the moon, marks a historic milestone. The space agency recommends delaying the launch to avoid any unexpected problems.

Conclusion

Approximately 3.84 million kilometres separate Chandrayaan-2’s landing site on the moon from Earth’s. In an orbit of 170 x 40400 kilometres, it was launched. 3850 pounds was estimated to be the total weight of the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft. A wide range of data on water, minerals, and rock formations was amassed.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

When was the Chandrayaan 2 Lunar vehicle launched?

Answer: The Chandrayaan 2 Lunar vehicle was launched on 22 July 2019 from Sriharikota.

How far is the Rover expected to travel on the moon?

Answer: The Rover can travel up to the distance of half a kilometre or 500 metres from the place where it landed....Read full

What are the challenging aspects of the Chandran 2 Lunar Rover?

Answer: The throttleable engines of the propulsion system ensure that the plane lands at a low velocity. ...Read full

What are the other more challenging aspects of the mission?

Answer: Lander Development – Navigation, guidance, control sensors, communication systems, and a soft landing ...Read full