Second moonshot – On Chandrayaan-3 mission

Source: The post is based on an article “Second moonshot” published in The Hindu on 11^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science & Technology

Relevance: Significance of Chandrayaan-3 mission

News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon on July 14.

About Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Read Here: Chandrayaan-3 successfully completes crucial test and Chandrayaan-3 integrated with launch vehicle LVM3

The mission has six scientific payloads to study the various features of the moon.

ISRO has strengthened the lander’s legs, lowered its minimum thrust, enhanced the availability of power, and upgraded the landing sequence to increase the chances of a successful mission.

What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3 Mission?

First, a successful mission will demonstrate the country’s capabilities in relevant technologies.

Second, a successful mission would also position India as the second country to achieve a soft moon landing.

Third, the mission holds significant importance, as establishing permanent moon bases has become a geopolitical goal worldwide.

Fourth, the success of Chandrayaan-3 will also make it the first surface mission closest to the lunar south pole, a region of the moon that has been found to be geologically unique.

Fifth, a seventh instrument, on the propulsion module, will profile the signs of life on earth to help scientists look for similar signs on planets beyond the solar system.

Sixth, on the eve of the Artemis Accord, where the US is leading lunar research missions while China and Russia collaborating on an ‘International Lunar Research Station,’ Chandrayaan-3 is critical for India’s recognition globally.

Overall, Chandrayaan-3 provides India with an opportunity to lead the global response to the moon’s increasing scientific and political significance.