Q. What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

Model Answer:

India’s Third Moon Mission: Chandrayaan-3

The primary objective of India’s third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, which could not be achieved in its predecessor Chandrayaan-2, is to execute a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.

Countries Achieving Soft Lunar Landing

To date, only three nations have successfully accomplished a soft landing on the Moon:
• Soviet Union (1966): Luna 9 mission
• United States (1969): Apollo 11 mission
• China (2013): Chang’e 3 mission

India aims to join this exclusive group with the successful completion of Chandrayaan-3.

Spacecraft Subsystems

Chandrayaan-3 comprises three main subsystems, each playing a crucial role in the mission:

1. Propulsion Module:
– Carries the lander and rover to lunar orbit
– Provides necessary thrust for orbital maneuvers

2. Lander (Vikram):
– Designed to execute the soft landing on the lunar surface
– Houses scientific payloads for lunar surface experiments

3. Rover (Pragyan):
– Explores the lunar surface post-landing
– Conducts in-situ scientific experiments
– Analyzes lunar soil composition

These subsystems work in tandem to achieve the mission objectives, combining propulsion, landing, and exploration capabilities.

Role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre

The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota. Its contributions include:

• Real-time Monitoring: The VLCC provided continuous, real-time monitoring of the launch vehicle’s parameters, ensuring optimal performance throughout the launch sequence.

• Remote Access: By enabling remote access to launch operations, the VLCC reduced the need for physical presence, enhancing efficiency and safety.

• Enhanced Coordination: The virtual platform facilitated seamless coordination between various teams involved in the launch process, improving overall mission management.

• Precise Execution: The VLCC ensured the accurate execution of launch sequences and procedures, critical for the mission’s initial success.

• Rapid Decision-Making: In the event of any anomalies during launch, the VLCC’s integrated systems allowed for quick analysis and decision-making, minimizing potential risks.

• Data Integration: The centre consolidated data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive overview of the launch process to mission controllers.

The Virtual Launch Control Centre represents a significant advancement in India’s space technology infrastructure, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in space mission management and execution. Its successful implementation in the Chandrayaan-3 launch demonstrates India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its space exploration endeavors.