"Chandrayaan-3: India's Trailblazing Lunar Odyssey"

Context: Return of Chandrayaan-3's Propulsion Module to Earth orbit.

1. Chandrayaan-3 Overview:

- Follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2.

- Launched on July 14, 2023, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3).

- Aimed for safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.

- Historic soft landing on the Lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023.

2. Mission Objectives:

- Demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.

- Demonstrate rover roving capabilities.

- Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

3. Mission Composition:

- Consists of two modules: Propulsion Module (PM) and Lander Module (LM).

- Total mass: 3900 kg (PM: 2148 kg, LM: 1752 kg, including Rover: 26 kg).

4. Propulsion Module (PM):

- Carried the lander and rover to 100 km lunar orbit.

- Contains the SHAPE payload for spectro-polarimetric studies of Earth.

5. Lander Module (LM):

- Comprises a Lander (Vikram) and a Rover (Pragyan).

- Executed soft landing using Automatic Landing Sequence.

- Rover conducted in-situ chemical analysis on the lunar surface.

- Mission lifespan: 1 lunar day (14 Earth days).

6. Significance for Indian Space Programme:

- Establishes India among elite spacefaring nations with lunar soft landing capabilities.

- Enhances strategic importance with potential applications in refueling, docking technology, and interplanetary missions.

- Investigates lunar properties, including the presence of water ice and lunar molten history.

- Contributes to defense and aerospace, particularly missile defense insights.

- Translates technologies into strategic tools, commercial products, and applications in disaster management and infrastructure monitoring.

- Fosters economic activities and space tourism, including potential for private space parks and in-orbit manufacturing hubs.

- Supports the growth of over 500 space-tech startups, MSMEs, and industries in India's NewSpace movement.

Chandrayaan-3 Budget

• The Chandrayaan-3 budget holds significant importance in India's lunar exploration program.

• ISRO, gearing up for its third lunar mission, makes understanding the Chandrayaan-3 budget pivotal for enthusiasts and stakeholders.

• The allocation of funds underscores the nation's commitment to advancing space capabilities.

• The Chandrayaan-3 budget encompasses spacecraft development, launch costs, and scientific instruments.

• Stay informed about the latest updates on the Chandrayaan-3 budget to comprehend the financial scope of India's space exploration endeavors.

• Track how these investments propel India's space exploration ambitions to new heights.

Chandrayaan-3 for UPSC and APSC

• For UPSC and APSC aspirants, a thorough understanding of Chandrayaan-3 is crucial as it signifies India's prowess in space exploration.

• Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar mission by ISRO, holds immense significance in India's pursuit of scientific excellence.

• Aspiring civil service candidates should delve into the mission's objectives, technological advancements, and its potential impact on India's global space standing.

• Stay updated on the latest developments related to Chandrayaan-3, as questions on space missions are common in competitive examinations.

• Explore the mission's scientific goals, challenges faced, and successful outcomes to enhance the knowledge base of UPSC and APSC aspirants.

• This exploration provides a well-rounded perspective on India's space endeavors, contributing to a comprehensive preparation for examinations.

• Stay informed and stay ahead in your preparation for space-related questions in UPSC examinations.