Unveiling the saga of Chandrayaan 3, an ambitious endeavor orchestrated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), aimed at triumphantly placing a resolute lander and an intrepid rover within the elevated realms adjacent to the Moon’s southern pole on the momentous date of August 23, 2023. This monumental mission stands as a testament to ISRO’s unwavering commitment to showcase a seamless orchestration of landing and traversing feats, thus furthering humanity’s celestial aspirations.
At its core, Chandrayaan 3 encompasses a formidable duo: a tenacious lander/rover tandem and an adroit propulsion module. This dynamic pair inherits inspiration from its predecessor, the Vikram rover on Chandrayaan 2, yet stands adorned with enhancements that fortify the prospects of a secure touchdown. This steadfast lander/rover couplet embarks on an extraordinary lunar voyage, riding the cosmic currents courtesy of the propulsion module’s prowess. This celestial charioteer shall serenely linger within lunar orbit, adorning the lunar expanse as a diligent communications conduit.
Embarking on an odyssey of ingenuity, Chandrayaan 3 unveils its spacecraft ensemble, each facet meticulously crafted to navigate the lunar tapestry. The propulsion module, akin to a cryptic box-like structure, boasts an augmented I-3K architecture. A solitary resplendent solar panel graces one flank, while an imposing cylinder, christened the Intermodule Adapter Cone, reigns atop as a regal staging point for the valiant lander.
A powerful thruster nozzle anchors the underside, concealing within it a propellant reserve of 1696.39 kilograms, fueling the MMH + MON3 bi-propellant propulsion system that propels the module. Emitting a luminous 738 watts, this module assumes the mantle of communication emissary, communing with Earth through the rhythmic S-Band dance. Sensors, ranging from star and Sun sensors to an Inertial Reference Unit and Accelerometer Package (IRAP), harmoniously synchronize, orchestrating this cosmic ballet.
Vikram, the lander christened in homage to the pioneering luminary Vikram Sarabhai, dons a box-like visage, its dimensions standing at 200 x 200 x 116.6 centimeters. Four stalwart landing legs extend gracefully, while four landing thrusters await their call to action. A colossus with a mass of 1749.86 kilograms, inclusive of its 26-kilogram rover companion, Vikram radiates a majestic 738 watts courtesy of its flanking solar panels.
A phalanx of sensors embraces Vikram, each an embodiment of vigilance ensuring a triumphant touchdown of Chandrayaan 3. Altimeters spanning Ka-band and laser, a Doppler velocimeter, and a cavalcade of cameras unite to guide its descent. Propelled by the marriage of MMH and MON3 bipropellant engines, Vikram is adorned with a retinue of 800 N and 58 N throttleable engines, channeling its trajectory with precision. The symphony of communication is orchestrated by an X-band antenna, as Vikram prepares to tenderly unveil the Pragyan rover onto the lunar tapestry.
Pragyan, the rover christened in the mellifluous Sanskrit “wisdom,” adopts a rectilinear chassis, its stature measuring 91.7 x 75.0 x 39.7 centimeters. Perched upon a six-wheel rocker-bogie ensemble, Pragyan is bestowed with navigation cameras and a sun-soaked panel, yielding 50 watts of energy. A direct communion with Vikram transpires through the dance of Rx/Tx antennas, enabling the rover to traverse the lunar canvas with acumen.
The realms of science unfurl as Vikram and Pragyan, emissaries of curiosity, come bearing a trove of instruments. Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) unravels lunar thermal mysteries, while the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) listens to the seismic whispers of the Moon. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) paints a portrait of the lunar gaseous embrace, while NASA‘s passive laser retroreflector array paves the way for lunar ranging sagas.
Pragyan’s cargo, an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS), decipher the lunar terrain’s elemental tales. Propulsion Module / Orbiter’s vantage gives birth to the Spectropolarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE), a cosmic treatise on Earth viewed through lunar eyes.
The chronicle of Chandrayaan 3 unfurls on July 14, 2023, at 9:05:17 UT, a moment etched in time. The GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy lift launch vehicle ascends from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India. A celestial ballet commences as the spacecraft embraces an elliptic Earth parking orbit, a celestial waltz measuring 170 by 36,500 kilometers. Through meticulous maneuvers spanning 40 days, the lunar destination of Chandrayaan 3 draws near.
August 5 marks a pivotal juncture as the lunar embrace tightens, positioning the spacecraft into a 164 by 18,074-kilometer lunar orbit. The propulsion module commands the narrative, propelling the lander/rover ensemble into a circular polar lunar orbit, an orbit enriched by its proximity to the Moon’s heart. August 17 witnesses the separation of Vikram, a precursor to the grand descent of Chandrayaan 3.
The crescendo unfurls on August 23, 12:14 UT, as Vikram commences its descent, guided by the cosmic rhythm towards a rendezvous with the Moon’s southern pole. A ballet of technology and determination culminates as Vikram’s feet kiss the lunar soil at 69.37 S, 32.35 E, ushering in an era of triumphant achievement. A mere 19 minutes later, at 12:33 UT, the tapestry of India Standard Time is woven with the threads of success of Chandrayaan 3 Mission.
The lunar orbit reverberates with the propulsion module’s presence, a celestial sentinel linking worlds. Chandrayaan 2 stands vigilant as a backup relay for Chandrayaan 3, ensuring the echoes of success find their way home. Vikram and Pragyan, luminaries of the lunar canvas, stand poised for a fortnight of exploration, a single lunar daylight period to script their legacy.