Chandrayaan-3 lander separates from propulsion module

Chandrayaan-3 lander separates from propulsion module

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Space technology

Context

After 34 days on board the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, the propulsion module and the lander module parted ways on August 17, and have now embarked on their respective journeys.

Separation of Modules and Soft Landing Plans

• Propulsion module and lander module separation on August 17, 2023.
• Complex braking maneuvers for a soft landing in the south polar region of the moon.
• Lander is expected to touch down on the moon’s surface at 5.47 p.m. on August 23, 2023.

Chandrayaan-3 Components

• The Lander module, propulsion module, and rover constitute Chandrayaan-3.
• Propulsion module’s role: Transport lander to 100-km moon orbit after launch.
• Lander’s capabilities: Soft landing, rover deployment, in-situ chemical analysis.
• Scientific Missions on the Lunar Surface:

Scientific Payloads and Mission Duration

• Rover payloads: Study lunar surface composition, and elements analysis.
• Lander payloads: Study lunar quakes, thermal properties, plasma changes, and Earth-moon distance.
• The propulsion module carries a SHAPE payload for Earth’s atmospheric study.
• Lander and rover mission life: One lunar day (14 Earth days).
• The propulsion module payload will be operational for 3-6 months.

SHAPE Payload: Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth

• Developed by U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, Bengaluru.
• Part of Chandrayaan-3’s propulsion module.
• Studies Earth’s atmosphere from the moon’s viewpoint.
• Analyzesspectral signatures and polarization patterns.
• Identifies potential life markers for exoplanets.
• Gathers data for exoplanet habitability.