India is on the brink of a historic achievement as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares to touch down on the Moon’s south pole with Chandrayaan 3. Diverging from its predecessor, Chandrayaan 2, Chandrayaan 3’s Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover heavily rely on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cameras, sensors, and more to pave the way for groundbreaking lunar exploration.
Advancing with Technology
Chandrayaan 3 is comprised of three crucial components: the indigenous Lander module called Vikram, a Propulsion module (PM), and the Rover named Pragyan. The Propulsion module and Lander module, housing the Rover, have already been detached. The Lander is set to initiate its descent at 5:45 PM IST today. Upon landing, around 6:04 PM IST, the Lander will deploy the Rover onto the lunar surface.
Automated Descent with AI
Notably, Chandrayaan 3’s descent phase operates entirely autonomously, devoid of human intervention. Once the descent phase begins, the lander operates independently. The landing process employs AI to accurately map its position on the moon’s surface.
Insight into Vikram Lander’s Sensors
The Vikram Lander is equipped with an array of sensors, including camera sensors. Among these sensors are the Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP), Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA), Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC), LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera), Laser Altimeter (LASA), Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV), Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC), Micro Star sensor, and Inclinometer & Touchdown sensors.
Additionally, the Lander carries instruments such as the Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA), Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), and Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA). Leveraging this technology and payload, the Lander module will facilitate a multitude of experiments.
Unveiling the Pragyan Rover’s Role
Turning the focus to the Pragyan Rover, it will separate from the Lander upon the Lander’s lunar landing. The Rover then establishes communication with the Lander through Rx/Tx antennae. The Rover’s primary objective is to traverse the moon’s surface while analyzing elemental and chemical compositions. To achieve this, it incorporates navigation cameras alongside antennae.
The Rover also carries advanced tools such as the Laser Induced breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). With these sophisticated payloads and technology, the Rover will capture and transmit high-quality information for analysis.
Enriching the Propulsion Module
The Propulsion Module boasts a 440N Liquid Engine complemented by a star sensor, solar panel, and TTC antenna. This module carries the Spectro-polarimetry of the HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE), aiming to explore a variety of Exo-planets potentially suitable for habitation.
As the world eagerly awaits Chandrayaan 3’s monumental lunar journey, the integration of AI, sensors, and advanced instruments underscores India’s prowess in space technology. This mission not only showcases India’s dedication to space exploration but also emphasizes the potential of technology-driven breakthroughs in scientific achievements.
