Chandrayaan-3: A Giant Leap in Lunar Exploration and Potential Healthcare Advancements
Introduction
In the realm of space exploration, India continues to make remarkable strides with its Chandrayaan programme. Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission under the stewardship of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has captured the world’s attention with its ambitious objectives and achievements. Comprising a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, Chandrayaan-3 seeks to unlock the mysteries of the Moon’s composition and enhance our understanding of lunar landscapes.
Lessons were thoroughly learnt from the Chandrayaan 2 mission which unfortunately was not successful, and it is because of this the Scientists were able to successfully create History.
Chandrayaan 3 Mission Objectives
The Chandrayaan-3 Mission Was Defined By A Set Of Meticulous Objectives, Demonstrating ISRO’s Commitment To Advancing Scientific Knowledge And Technological Prowess. These Objectives Included:
Safe Lunar Landing:Â A Primary Goal Was To Safely And Softly Land Vikram On The Lunar Surface, Showcasing ISRO’s Engineering Finesse In Navigating The Moon’s Challenging Terrain.
Rover Capabilities:Â The Mission Aimed To Showcase The Rover, Pragyan’s, Capabilities By Observing Its Driving Prowess On The Moon’s Surface. This Was Crucial For Potential Future Missions That Might Involve More Intricate Roving Tasks.
Material Experiments:Â Chandrayaan-3 Was Designed To Conduct Experiments And Observations On Lunar Materials, Providing Valuable Insights Into The Moon’s Composition And Furthering Our Knowledge Of Celestial Bodies.
Chandrayaan 3 - Launch, Orbit, & Triumph at the Lunar South Pole​
Chandrayaan 3 - Launch, Orbit, & Triumph at the Lunar South Pole​
The Launch
The journey of Chandrayaan-3 commenced on July 14, 2023, when it was launched atop an LVM3-M4 rocket. The event took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre's Second Launch Pad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. The spacecraft entered an Earth parking orbit, marking the initial step of its interplanetary voyage.
The Launch
The journey of Chandrayaan-3 commenced on July 14, 2023, when it was launched atop an LVM3-M4 rocket. The event took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre's Second Launch Pad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. The spacecraft entered an Earth parking orbit, marking the initial step of its interplanetary voyage.
Orbits
After a meticulously planned series of manoeuvres, Chandrayaan-3 was inserted into a trans-lunar injection orbit. On August 5, a pivotal moment arrived when the spacecraft successfully executed a lunar-orbit insertion (LOI), firmly establishing itself in orbit around the Moon.
Orbits
After a meticulously planned series of manoeuvres, Chandrayaan-3 was inserted into a trans-lunar injection orbit. On August 5, a pivotal moment arrived when the spacecraft successfully executed a lunar-orbit insertion (LOI), firmly establishing itself in orbit around the Moon.
Triumph at the Lunar South Pole​
The crowning moment of Chandrayaan-3's mission arrived on August 23, 2023, at 18:02 IST. Vikram, along with the rover Pragyan, achieved a historic feat by landing near the lunar south pole region. This remarkable accomplishment not only marked India as the first country to successfully land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole but also positioned it as the fourth country to successfully execute a gentle touchdown on the lunar surface.
Triumph at the Lunar South Pole​
The crowning moment of Chandrayaan-3's mission arrived on August 23, 2023, at 18:02 IST. Vikram, along with the rover Pragyan, achieved a historic feat by landing near the lunar south pole region. This remarkable accomplishment not only marked India as the first country to successfully land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole but also positioned it as the fourth country to successfully execute a gentle touchdown on the lunar surface.
Possible Healthcare Benefits from Lunar Exploration
While The Primary Focus Of Chandrayaan-3’s Mission Lies In Lunar Exploration, It’s Worth Noting That Space Exploration Can Have Indirect Benefits For Healthcare And Scientific Advancements On Earth. Research Conducted During Lunar Missions Can Yield Insights Into Various Areas That Can Contribute To Advancements In Healthcare. For Example:
Materials Science: Studying Lunar Materials Can Provide Valuable Information About Their Properties And Behaviour In Extreme Environments. This Knowledge Can Lead To The Development Of New Materials For Medical Devices, Equipment, And Implants.
Radiation Studies: Space Missions Involve Exposure To Higher Levels Of Radiation. Understanding The Effects Of Radiation On The Human Body Can Have Implications For Cancer Treatments And Radiation Therapy.
Biomedical Innovations: The Challenges Of Space Travel Often Drive The Development Of Innovative Technologies. These Technologies, Such As Portable Diagnostic Devices And Remote Medical Monitoring, Can Find Applications In Healthcare Settings.
Life Support Systems: Creating Sustainable Life Support Systems For Astronauts Can Inspire Advancements In Areas Like Water Purification, Air Quality Control, And Waste Management, Which Are Crucial For Healthcare Facilities And Disaster Relief Efforts.
The Visionaries Behind the Mission
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of individuals worked tirelessly to transform Chandrayaan-3 from a vision into reality. Some key figures in this monumental endeavour included:
ISRO Chairperson: S. SomanathMission Director: S. Mohanakumar
Associate Mission Director: G. Narayanan
Project Director: P. Veeramuthuvel
Deputy Project Director: Kalpana. K
Vehicle Director: Biju C. Thomas
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-3’s successful mission stands as a testament to India’s scientific and technological capabilities in the realm of space exploration. With its triumphant landing near the lunar south pole, the mission has not only expanded humanity’s knowledge of the Moon but has also solidified India’s position as a prominent player on the global space stage. As we look to the future, Chandrayaan-3’s achievements will undoubtedly inspire further strides in unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos and contributing to advancements in various fields, including healthcare.
To the Moon - A Visual Gallery of Mission Chandrayaan 3
Author: Dr Darshit Patel
MD, Mumbai, India
