India's spacecraft reached lunar orbit on August 5, 2023. However, rather than immediately landing on the moon, it initiated a de-boost maneuver and touched down at the moon's south pole on August 23, 2023.Indian scientists call the place where the spacecraft landed as Siva Shakti Point.
Due to Earth's gravitational force, we measure objects by their weight in kilograms. However, in space, where gravity is negligible, we calculate an object's mass instead. Now, let's examine the payload mass of the Indian Spacecraft. Firstly, the propulsion module weighs 2148 kg, the second Vikram lander weighs 1726 kg, and finally, the Pragyan rover weighs 26 kg, resulting in a total weight of 3900 kg.
The sensors on the Vikram lander include the Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP), Ka-band Altimeter (KARA), Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC), Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC), Laser Altimeter (LASA), Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV), Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC), Micro Star Sensor, and Inclinometer, as well as Touchdown Sensors.
Vikram Lander's Science Payloads:
1. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): A specialized instrument designed to study the ionosphere and atmosphere of the moon with high sensitivity.
2. Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (chaSTE):This instrument is focused on analyzing the thermal properties of the lunar surface, providing valuable data about temperature variations.
3. Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA):ILSA is dedicated to monitoring and detecting seismic activity on the moon, contributing to our understanding of lunar geology.
4. Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA):A crucial component for precise laser ranging and measuring distances on the lunar surface. It aids in tracking the moon's movement and position.
Rover's Science Payloads:
1. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS):The rover is equipped with an APXS, which can determine the elemental composition of lunar rocks and soil by analyzing X-rays generated when alpha particles interact with the lunar surface.
2. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS):LIBS allows the rover to perform rapid chemical analysis of samples by using a laser to create plasma and then analyzing the emitted light, helping scientists understand the lunar surface composition.
These science payloads are essential for conducting comprehensive lunar research during the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
