In an ambitious quest to explore the mysteries of the moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Chandrayaan 2, India's second lunar exploration mission, on July 22, 2019. With this mission, India aimed to become the fourth country to successfully land on the lunar surface, following the United States, Russia, and China. Although the lander Vikram did not achieve a soft landing as planned, Chandrayaan 2 remains a remarkable feat of scientific and technological prowess, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space exploration.
Chandrayaan 2, which means "Moon Vehicle" in Sanskrit, consisted of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover called Pragyan. The mission aimed to explore the south polar region of the moon, an area that remained largely unexplored by previous missions. The primary objectives of Chandrayaan 2 were to study the lunar surface, search for water ice, and enhance our understanding of the moon's geology and its evolution.
The journey began on July 22, 2019, when the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The GSLV Mk III, known as "Bahubali" for its impressive capabilities, carried the Chandrayaan 2 spacecraft into space. The spacecraft spent several weeks in Earth's orbit, performing a series of orbit-raising maneuvers to gradually increase its distance from Earth and align its trajectory towards the moon.
On September 2, 2019, the lander Vikram and the rover Pragyan separated from the orbiter and began their descent towards the lunar surface. Millions of people across India and around the world held their breath as the lander attempted a soft landing near the lunar south pole. However, just moments before touchdown, communication with the lander was lost, and it crash-landed on the moon's surface. Despite this setback, the orbiter of Chandrayaan 2 successfully entered the moon's orbit and continues to operate, collecting valuable data and images of the lunar surface.
One of the notable achievements of Chandrayaan 2 was the successful insertion of the spacecraft into a lunar orbit using only the moon's gravity. This maneuver, known as the "Lunar Orbit Insertion," demonstrated India's ability to navigate and control a spacecraft in the complex lunar environment. Additionally, the orbiter's instruments have provided valuable insights into the moon's composition, mineralogy, and presence of water molecules.
While the lander's crash was a disappointment, it is important to recognize the tremendous technological strides made by India through Chandrayaan 2. The mission showcased India's capabilities in launching and navigating complex space missions and highlighted the dedication and perseverance of its scientists and engineers.
Beyond the scientific discoveries, Chandrayaan 2 also had a significant impact on inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers in India and around the world. The mission captured the imagination of millions, fostering an interest in space exploration and igniting a sense of national pride.
ISRO's Chandrayaan 2 mission may not have achieved all of its intended goals, but it remains a testament to India's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and exploring the unknown. The mission's achievements, combined with the lessons learned from the lander's crash, will undoubtedly pave the way for future lunar missions, propelling India towards even greater heights in space exploration.
As India sets its sights on future missions, such as Chandrayaan 3 and beyond, it is clear that the nation's journey to the moon is far from over. Chandrayaan 2 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in India's space exploration endeavors, marking a significant step towards unraveling the mysteries of our celestial neighbor.
