Chandrayaan-3: Overcoming Challenges of Chandrayaan-2

Chandrayaan-3 Learns from Chandrayaan-2 Mistakes

Chandrayaan-3 is poised to achieve what its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, could not. Understanding the challenges faced during the previous mission is essential for appreciating the advancements made. Chandrayaan-2's lander, Vikram, encountered a series of unfortunate events during its lunar descent.

What Happened with Chandrayaan-2?

Chandrayaan-2's landing process involved three critical stages:

• Rough Breaking: The lander begins to decelerate as it approaches the Moon, starting from 30 km above the surface.
• Camera Coasting: The onboard camera assists in directing the lander towards its target landing site.
• Fine Breaking: The lander finalizes its descent sequence for landing.

Unfortunately, a valve malfunction resulted in an excess fuel flow into the engines. This error caused the lander to tilt and rotate uncontrollably, ultimately crashing 459 meters away from its intended landing site.

How Does Chandrayaan-3 Plan to Succeed?

In response to the setbacks of Chandrayaan-2, ISRO has implemented numerous enhancements to ensure the success of Chandrayaan-3:

• Engine Adjustments: The control system of the engines has been refined, ensuring precise thrust management.
• Rotation Enhancement: The lander is now capable of faster rotations, enabling better positional adjustments during descent.
• Additional Tools: A new "laser doppler velocimeter" has been introduced to accurately measure fuel flow rates, ensuring optimal engine performance.
• Backup Plans: ISRO has developed alternative mission paths and expanded landing zones, allowing for a safer landing even in the event of complications.

In summary, ISRO has meticulously analyzed the shortcomings of Chandrayaan-2. With these comprehensive improvements, Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with the best strategies to successfully land on the Moon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What were the main issues with Chandrayaan-2's landing?
Answer: Chandrayaan-2's Vikram lander faced a valve malfunction that caused excessive fuel flow, leading to uncontrollable tilting and a crash during landing.

Q2. How has ISRO improved the landing process for Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: ISRO refined the engine control systems, enhanced the lander's rotational capabilities, and added a laser doppler velocimeter to optimize fuel management.

Q3. What is the purpose of the laser doppler velocimeter in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The laser doppler velocimeter measures fuel flow rates to ensure the engines receive the correct amount of fuel for a stable landing.

Q4. Why is having backup plans important for Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: Backup plans expand the potential landing areas and provide alternative paths, ensuring a higher chance of a successful landing even if complications arise.

Q5. What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3 for India?
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 represents India's continued commitment to lunar exploration and showcases advancements in space technology, enhancing the nation's position in global space research.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What was the primary failure of the Chandrayaan-2 mission?
A) Communication issues
B) Valve malfunction
C) Incorrect landing site
D) Fuel shortage
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What technology has been added to Chandrayaan-3 to improve fuel management?
A) Gyroscope
B) Laser Doppler Velocimeter
C) Infrared Camera
D) Radar System
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How far from the intended landing site did Vikram crash during Chandrayaan-2?
A) 100 meters
B) 250 meters
C) 459 meters
D) 600 meters
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which organization is responsible for the Chandrayaan missions?
A) NASA
B) ESA
C) ISRO
D) CNSA
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What is the main goal of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A) To orbit the Moon
B) To land successfully on the Moon
C) To deploy satellites
D) To build a lunar base
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which feature in Chandrayaan-3 allows it to rotate faster for better positioning?
A) Engine adjustments
B) GPS system
C) Enhanced control systems
D) Backup plans
Correct Answer: C