Chandrayaan III : ("mooncraft")  

Chandrayaan 3  is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Chandrayaan 3 is similar to chandrayaan 2 


Why chandrayaan launched in the month of July:

• Chandrayaan 2 launched in 22 July 2019 

• Chandrayaan 3 launched in  14 July 2023 

Because, the earth and moon would be closer to each other during this part of the year.

ISRO has set three main objectives for the Chandrayaan-3 mission :

1. Getting a lander safe and soft and perfect landing on the surface of the Moon.

2. Observing and demonstrating the rover’s loitering capabilities on the Moon

3. In-site scientific observation making scientific experiments on the chemical and natural elements, soil, water, etc. available on the surface of the Moon to better understand and practice the composition of the Moon. Interplanetary refers to the development and demonstration of new technologies required for missions between two planets

Chandrayaan-3 comprises three main components:

1.Propulsion Module:

  The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit. It is a box-like structure and a large cylinder on top (the Intermodular Adapter Cone)


2.Lander:

The lander is responsible for the soft landing on the Moon. It is also box-shaped, with four landing legs and four landing thrusters of 800 newtons each. It will carry the rover and various scientific instruments 

The lander will carry three payloads:

• Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will measure the thermal conductivity and temperature of the lunar surface.

• Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will measure the seismicity around the landing site.

• Langmuir Probe (LP) will estimate the plasma density and its variations.

3.Rover:

• Six-wheeled design

• Weight of 26 kilograms (57 pounds)

• Range of 500 metres (1,640 feet)

• Scientific instruments including cameras, spectrometers, and a drill

• Expected lifespan of one lunar day (14 Earth days)

• Communication with the lander and ground control team in India

The Chandrayaan-3 Rover is expected to make a number of important scientific discoveries:

• The composition of the lunar surface

• The presence of water ice in the lunar soil

• The history of lunar impacts

• The evolution of the Moon’s atmosphere