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India's third unmanned mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-3, has successfully entered lunar orbit following a precise thruster firing maneuver executed from the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru. The propulsion module will undergo a series of orbit reductions until it stabilizes at an altitude of 100 km above the lunar surface.
On the sixth orbit, the module is scheduled to release the lander, which carries the rover, with the primary objective of achieving a soft landing near the Moon's south pole on August 23. This mission aims to make India the first country to land in this region and the fourth overall to touch down on the Moon.
Unlike previous missions, Chandrayaan-3 does not have an orbiter. Its mission will conclude after the lander and rover complete on-site experiments over a span of 14 days. During the orbit-reduction phase, the propulsion module will utilize the SHAPE payload to study Earth's spectro-polarimetric signatures.
Chandrayaan-3 consists of two essential components: the lander and the rover, each designed for specific functions in lunar exploration.
The Vikram lander in Chandrayaan-3 is akin to the one used in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Its primary function is to execute a controlled landing on the Moon’s surface. Equipped with landing legs and thrusters, the lander is engineered to ensure a soft touchdown. Once it successfully lands, it serves as the deployment platform for the rover and conducts initial scientific experiments using its onboard instruments.
Additionally, the lander acts as a communication relay, transmitting data collected by the rover back to mission control on Earth.
The rover deployed in Chandrayaan-3 is named Pragyan, similar to its predecessor in Chandrayaan-2. Upon the successful landing of the Vikram lander, Pragyan is released onto the lunar surface. This mobile robotic vehicle is equipped with wheels that facilitate movement across the Moon's terrain.
Pragyan is outfitted with various scientific instruments, cameras, and tools to explore the lunar environment and conduct experiments. It collects valuable data and relays this information back to the lander, which subsequently transmits it to mission control on Earth.
In summary, the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 is tasked with safely landing on the Moon, deploying the Pragyan rover, and maintaining communication with mission control. The Pragyan rover acts as a mobile exploration unit, capable of performing scientific investigations and sending data back for analysis. Together, these components work in unison to fulfill India's scientific objectives and exploration goals on the lunar surface.
Q1. What is the primary goal of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Answer: The primary goal of Chandrayaan-3 is to achieve a soft landing near the Moon's south pole, making India the first country to do so in this region.
Q2. What are the main components of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Answer: The main components of Chandrayaan-3 include the Vikram lander, which facilitates landing, and the Pragyan rover, responsible for exploring the lunar surface and conducting experiments.
Q3. How long will the Chandrayaan-3 mission last?
Answer: The mission will last for 14 days, during which the lander and rover will conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface.
Q4. What technology does the Vikram lander use for landing?
Answer: The Vikram lander employs landing legs and thrusters to ensure a controlled and soft landing on the lunar surface.
Q5. What scientific objectives does the Pragyan rover have?
Answer: The Pragyan rover aims to explore the lunar environment, perform scientific experiments, and collect data to be sent back to Earth for analysis.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A) To launch an orbiter
B) To achieve a soft landing on the Moon
C) To establish a lunar base
D) To explore Mars
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is responsible for landing?
A) Pragyan Rover
B) Orbiter
C) Vikram Lander
D) Payload Module
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: How long will Chandrayaan-3 conduct experiments on the lunar surface?
A) 7 days
B) 14 days
C) 30 days
D) 21 days
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the name of the rover in Chandrayaan-3?
A) Vikram
B) Chandrayaan
C) Pragyan
D) Mangalyaan
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Where is the Chandrayaan-3 mission control located?
A) New Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Chennai
D) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B
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