Chandrayaan-2, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in July 2019, represents India’s ambitious lunar exploration mission. Building upon the success of Chandrayaan-1, this mission aims to further our understanding of the Moon’s surface, composition, and geology.
Notable for being India’s first attempt at a soft lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2 is a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors and an essential component of the Chandrayaan Space Program.
Design and Construction
Chandrayaan-2 comprises an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). The orbiter serves as a platform for remote sensing and scientific observations, while the lander and rover are designed for surface exploration. The spacecraft is constructed with lightweight yet durable materials to withstand the harsh lunar environment and incorporates advanced navigation and communication systems.
Mission Objectives
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan-2 are to study the lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, and exosphere. Additionally, the mission aims to demonstrate India’s capabilities in soft lunar landing and rover operations. Secondary objectives include studying lunar seismic activity and mapping water ice distribution in the polar regions.
Launch and Deployment
Chandrayaan-2 was launched aboard India’s GSLV Mk III rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, on July 22, 2019. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit in August 2019, and the lander-rover separation and descent were scheduled for September 2019. However, the lander lost communication during the descent phase.
Technical Specifications
- Orbiter: Dimensions – approximately 3.2 meters x 5.8 meters x 2.2 meters, Weight – approximately 2,379 kilograms, Payload capacity – approximately 1,000 kilograms.
- Lander: Dimensions – approximately 3.5 meters x 2 meters x 2.2 meters, Weight – approximately 1,471 kilograms.
- Rover: Dimensions – approximately 1.5 meters x 1 meter x 1 meter, Weight – approximately 27 kilograms.
- Power Source: Solar panels.
- Instruments and Equipment: Includes cameras, spectrometers, and other scientific instruments for surface mapping, mineral analysis, and lunar atmosphere study.
Current Status
Despite the partial success of Chandrayaan-2, with the orbiter continuing to function and provide valuable data, the loss of communication with the lander was a setback. ISRO has since analyzed the mission’s performance and planned future lunar exploration missions to build upon the knowledge gained.
