Introduction
In a captivating journey beyond our terrestrial boundaries, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) embarked on its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14, this mission aimed to achieve a soft landing on the enigmatic lunar surface. However, the latest update suggests that the mission has encountered a significant setback as Chandrayaan-3 failed to awaken from its lunar slumber. In this blog, we delve into the mission’s background, objectives, the challenges it faced during its lunar night, and the ongoing quest to revive its dormant components.
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission: An Ambitious Lunar Expedition
Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to India’s ambitions in the realm of space exploration. This lunar mission comprised three crucial components: an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM), and a Rover. Its primary objective was to develop and demonstrate new technologies required for inter-planetary missions, showcasing ISRO’s prowess in advancing space technology.
The Lunar Night Challenge
The lunar surface is an unforgiving environment, marked by extreme temperatures and the absence of a breathable atmosphere. To survive the harsh conditions, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover were designed to hibernate during the lunar night, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. During this period, the temperature on the Moon’s surface can plummet drastically, making it imperative for the lander and rover to go into “sleep” mode to conserve energy and stay operational.
ISRO’s Hopeful Start
After successfully completing their assigned tasks, ISRO placed the rover and lander into a deep slumber. They reported, “The rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off… Currently, the battery is fully charged. The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on.”
With the anticipation of the Sun’s return over the lunar south pole, ISRO scientists were optimistic about reawakening Chandrayaan-3’s components and resuming their mission on the Moon.
The Unresponsive Awakening
However, despite several attempts to revive the lander and rover, there was no response from Chandrayaan-3. This unexpected turn of events has left ISRO facing an uphill battle to awaken its dormant lunar explorers. While ISRO has not abandoned hope entirely, the data collected indicates that the chances of revival are bleak.
The Future of Chandrayaan-3
ISRO had earlier stated that if the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover do not respond, they will “forever stay there as India’s lunar ambassador.” Unlike some previous missions, these components were not designed to return to Earth, making their current location on the Moon their permanent resting place.
S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, expressed his hopes about the revival of the lander and rover once the Sun rises on the Shivshakti point. “We can only hope to see the equipment back to life on September 22,” he was quoted as saying.
The Bigger Picture: Chandrayaan-3’s Significance
Chandrayaan-3’s mission, despite its current challenges, holds immense significance in the larger context of space exploration. It represents India’s determination to explore and understand the Moon, contributing valuable data to the global scientific community.
Conclusion
As Chandrayaan-3 remains in its lunar slumber, ISRO continues to monitor and make efforts to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover. The mission, although facing difficulties, symbolizes the spirit of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Regardless of the outcome, Chandrayaan-3’s journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the vastness of the cosmos and the indomitable human spirit to explore its mysteries.
