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Difference Between Chandrayaan 2 And Chandrayaan 3
India's space program has gained global recognition with its successful missions to the Moon and Mars, among other achievements. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been working on its ambitious lunar exploration program, which includes Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions. These missions aim to deepen our understanding of the Moon's surface and uncover valuable information that could potentially have significant scientific and economic implications. In this article, we will explore the differences between Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, the upcoming missions that have created great anticipation among scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
1. Objective:
Chandrayaan-2 was a landmark mission for India, with the primary objective being to land a rover, Pragyan, on the lunar surface. The rover was equipped with advanced instruments to study the Moon's geology, map its resources, and search for the presence of water. Additionally, the orbiter component of Chandrayaan-2 would continue remote sensing studies of the lunar surface and atmosphere. On the other hand, Chandrayaan-3 is not significantly different in terms of its objective. It also aims to land a rover on the Moon's surface and continue studying its geological features, resource mapping, and potential water presence.
2. Mission Planning:
Chandrayaan-2 was a complex mission that involved multiple stages, including an orbiter, lander, and rover. Unfortunately, the lander, Vikram, crash-landed on the lunar surface, resulting in the mission's partial success. Chandrayaan-3, therefore, is an attempt to rectify the shortcomings and accomplish what Chandrayaan-2 could not. The ISRO has been analyzing the data from Chandrayaan-2 to make improvements in the design and execution of Chandrayaan-3. This indicates that Chandrayaan-3 will benefit from the lessons learned during Chandrayaan-2 and offer a greater chance of success.
3. Cost and Timeline:
The Chandrayaan-2 mission had a budget of approximately $140 million. While the exact cost of Chandrayaan-3 is yet to be announced, it is expected to be comparable or slightly higher due to the improvements made based on the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2. Furthermore, the timeline for Chandrayaan-2 from its announcement to launch took nearly ten years. In comparison, the timeline for Chandrayaan-3 is significantly shorter as it is building upon the existing infrastructure and technology developed for Chandrayaan-2. This reduced timeline is possible due to the ISRO's experience and expertise gained from the previous mission.
4. Rover and Lander:
Both Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions feature a lander and rover component. However, the landers themselves differ in design. The lander in Chandrayaan-2 was named Vikram and weighed around 1,471 kilograms. It was equipped with instruments to study the lunar surface and performed a soft landing. In contrast, Chandrayaan-3's lander is expected to be an improved version of Vikram, incorporating lessons learned from its predecessor's crash landing. This suggests that Chandrayaan-3's lander will have enhanced capabilities and a higher chance of successful landing.
5. Orbiter:
In both missions, the orbiter component plays a crucial role in capturing high-resolution images, conducting remote sensing, and transmitting data back to Earth. The orbiter of Chandrayaan-2 still remains functional and continues to deliver valuable data. However, the orbiter of Chandrayaan-3 is expected to be a new spacecraft unit, built to accommodate the specific goals and requirements of this mission. It will likely be equipped with advanced instruments for remote sensing and data analysis, enhancing our understanding of the lunar environment.
6. Collaboration:
Both missions have showcased India's growing capability to explore outer space. However, Chandrayaan-2 had international collaborations with NASA and other space agencies, which allowed for the sharing of resources and expertise. Chandrayaan-3, on the other hand, is expected to be an entirely indigenous mission developed solely by the ISRO. This indicates India's determination to rely on its own capabilities and contribute to the scientific community independently.
In conclusion, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 are both significant missions in India's lunar exploration program, aiming to advance our knowledge of the Moon. While Chandrayaan-2 faced challenges during its landing, Chandrayaan-3 is being developed based on the lessons learned from its predecessor. With improved design and execution, Chandrayaan-3 offers a higher likelihood of achieving its objective. Furthermore, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to have an enhanced lander, a new orbiter, and an entirely indigenous development. As India continues to strengthen its space program, these missions pave the way for future scientific discoveries and potential economic benefits.