Chandrayaan-3 represents India's ambitious lunar mission, comprising a lander and a rover. Its primary aim is to explore and conduct scientific experiments on the moon's surface, thereby enhancing our understanding of lunar geology and environment.
The Vikram Lander successfully achieved a soft landing on the moon on August 23. Following the landing, both the lander and the Pragyan Rover were operational for nearly two weeks. However, as the lunar day came to an end on September 3, they were put into 'sleep mode' to conserve energy. Despite ongoing efforts to re-establish contact, no signals have been received since.
The absence of signals can largely be attributed to the harsh conditions of the lunar night. Temperatures can plunge well below minus 220 degrees Celsius, which could potentially freeze the electronic components of both the lander and the rover. This extreme cold poses significant challenges for re-establishing communication.
In theory, yes, spacecraft can be insulated against extreme cold using various technologies, such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG). However, the primary focus of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was to demonstrate a successful soft landing on the moon. Incorporating additional thermal protection measures might have complicated the mission objectives.
Chandrayaan-3 showcases India's growing capabilities in space exploration. Despite the current challenges with the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, the mission has significantly contributed to our understanding of lunar science and technology.
Q1. What was the main goal of Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The main goal of Chandrayaan-3 was to explore the moon's surface and conduct scientific experiments, enhancing our understanding of lunar geology and environment.
Q2. When did the Vikram Lander land on the moon?
Answer: The Vikram Lander successfully landed on the moon on August 23, marking a significant milestone for India's space exploration efforts.
Q3. What challenges does the lunar night present for space equipment?
Answer: The lunar night poses extreme cold, with temperatures dropping below minus 220 degrees Celsius, which can freeze electronic components and disrupt communication.
Q4. How long were the lander and rover operational after landing?
Answer: After the successful landing, both the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover were operational for nearly two weeks before entering sleep mode.
Q5. What is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG)?
Answer: An RTG is a type of spacecraft power source that uses heat released from radioactive decay to generate electricity, often used for thermal protection in extreme conditions.
Question 1: What is the purpose of Chandrayaan-3?
A) To explore Mars
B) To conduct lunar surface experiments
C) To establish a permanent moon base
D) To study asteroids
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What significant event occurred on August 23, 2023?
A) Launch of Chandrayaan-3
B) Vikram Lander successfully landed on the moon
C) First signals received from Pragyan Rover
D) Lunar night began
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What temperature extremes does the lunar night reach?
A) Above zero Celsius
B) Between minus 50 to minus 100 degrees Celsius
C) Below minus 220 degrees Celsius
D) Around minus 150 degrees Celsius
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What technology could protect spacecraft from extreme cold?
A) Solar panels
B) Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG)
C) Thermal blankets
D) Heat shields
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How long did the Vikram Lander operate after landing?
A) One week
B) Two weeks
C) Three weeks
D) One month
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What was the primary objective of Chandrayaan-3?
A) To send humans to the moon
B) To demonstrate soft landing on the moon
C) To map the entire moon surface
D) To collect lunar soil samples
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What happened to the instruments on the lander and rover on September 3?
A) They were upgraded
B) They were put into sleep mode
C) They malfunctioned
D) They sent signals back to Earth
Correct Answer: B
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