Relevance: prelims/mains: G.S paper III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and Technology missions.
Inching towards the edge of discovery
Chandrayaan 2 is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country has ever gone before — the Moons south polar region. Through this effort, the aim is to improve our understanding of the Moon — discoveries that will benefit India and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences aim at a paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions are approached for years to come — propelling further voyages into the farthest frontiers.
Chandrayaan 2 is on a mission unlike any before. Leveraging nearly a decade of scientific research and engineering development, India’s second lunar expedition will shed light on a completely unexplored section of the Moon — its South Polar region. This mission will help us gain a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the Moon by conducting detailed topographical studies, comprehensive mineralogical analyses, and a host of other experiments on the lunar surface. While there, we will also explore discoveries made by Chandrayaan 1, such as the presence of water molecules on the Moon and new rock types with unique chemical composition.
Aim of the mission:
- Expand India’s footprint in space
- Inspire a future generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers
- Surpass international aspirations
Why are we going to the Moon?
The Moon is the closest cosmic body at which space discovery can be attempted and documented. It is also a promising test bed to demonstrate technologies required for deep-space missions. Chandrayaan 2 attempts to foster a new age of discovery, increase our understanding of space, stimulate the advancement of technology, promote global alliances, and inspire a future generation of explorers and scientists.
What are the scientific objectives of Chandrayaan 2?
The Moon provides us the best linkage to Earth’s early history and an undisturbed record of the nascent Solar System environment. While a few mature models do exist, the Moon’s origin still needs further explanations. Extensive mapping of the lunar surface will aid us in studying variations in its composition — an essential piece of information in tracing the Moon’s origin and evolution. Evidence of water molecules — discovered by Chandrayaan 1 — and the extent of its distribution on the lunar surface and sub-surface also require further studies.
The lunar South Pole is especially interesting because a larger section of its surface stays in the shadow than the North Pole. There is a possibility of the presence of water in permanently shadowed areas around it. In addition, the south polar region has craters that are cold traps, containing a fossilised record of the early Solar System.
Chandrayaan 2 will use the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to attempt a soft landing in a high plain between two craters — Manzinus C and Simpelius N — at a latitude of about 70° south.
General objectives:
- Topography
- Composition
- Search for water
- In-situ studies
For understanding of the Lunar composition, it is planned to identify the elements and mapping its distribution on the lunar surface both at global and In-situ level. In addition, detailed 3-dimensional mapping of the lunar regolith will be done. Measurements on the near surface plasma environment and electron density in the Lunar ionosphere will be studied. Thermo-physical property of the lunar surface and seismic activities will also be measured. Water molecule distribution will be studied using infrared spectroscopy, synthetic aperture radiometry & polarimetry as well as mass spectroscopy techniques.
Key payloads
- Chandrayaan 2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer-For Elemental composition of the Moon
- Imaging IR Spectrometer-For Mineralogy mapping and water-ice confirmation
- Synthetic Aperture Radar L & S Band-For Polar-region mapping and sub-surface water-ice confirmation
- Orbiter High Resolution Camera-For High-resolution topography mapping
- Chandra’s Surface Thermo-physical Experiment-For Thermal conductivity and temperature gradient
- Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope-For In-situ elemental analysis and abundance in the vicinity of landing site
Launcher and the Spacecraft
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III)
The GSLV Mk-III will carry Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit. This three-stage vehicle is India’s most powerful launcher to date, and is capable of launching 4-ton class of satellites to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- S200 Solid Rocket Booster
- L110 Liquid Stage
- C25 Upper Stage
A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at one hour before the launch. As a measure of abundant precaution Chandrayaan-2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later.