With Chandrayaan-3 safely reaching the lunar surface on August 23, India has made great strides in science and spacecraft technology. The groundbreaking lunar mission of solar-powered ISRO has changed the course of history. Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing was made possible by solar energy. Because conventional energy is limited in space, solar power is critical for powering spacecraft devices.
Solar panels play an essential role in the success of Chandrayaan-3
India’s Chandrayaan 3 lunar mission was a huge success mainly due to solar energy.
Lunar Mission Chandrayaan
India uses solar energy for various purposes, including electricity generation, but it has made history this time. Since the harsh climate of the Moon does not provide an Earth-like energy source, ISRO scientists have been looking for a new way to meet the power needs of the spacecraft’s Solar panels and silent giants that capture the flow of material each: sunshine in frozen deep space.
These modest but essential factors make or break India’s Chandrayaan-3-Chandra project. The solar panels were mounted outside the spacecraft and carefully positioned to capture uniform sunlight. These solar panels are designed always to be directly exposed to the sun on at least one side. As a result, the aircraft can obtain a stable power source. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface thus demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of solar panel systems.
Understanding the soft landing of the spacecraft
Scientists identified weaknesses in India’s last Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. ISRO strategically adjusted the spacecraft for a slow landing to gain access to strong sunlight and solar panels, including slow-landing abilities in response to the loss of Chandrayaan -2. ISRO Director S.K.
While the phrase “soft landing” may sound generic, ensuring the safety of the spacecraft and the protection of its payload value requires complex engineering, precise calculations, and more sophisticated technology
Traditional pneumatic brakes work well on Earth because space lacks a significant atmosphere and are inefficient. So, to land a spacecraft “softly,” scientists should consider developing a combination of propulsion systems, landing gear, and maneuverability. If the two are combined, you can predict changes in spacecraft propulsion and angles that can help avoid potential surface hazards.
How to enhance the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission with four-stage solar panels?
It became the talk of the town because the design of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was such a significant development in solar power technology. The revised plan, a “four-stage solar panel,” places solar panels on several spacecraft sections. The two panels in Chandrayaan 2 have been replaced by this part of India’s Chandrayaan 3 lunar mission.
This configuration allows the spacecraft to be driven or rotated laterally, yet generate more power or absorb more sunlight and, in addition, contribute to evenly dispersed electrical current, which is essential for missions operating in lighting conditions in the lunar orbit or lunar surface.
What are the Chandrayaan 3 Mission’s Primary Goals?
1. Landing and Rover Deployment: The main objective of Chandrayaan 3 is to successfully land a spacecraft at the South Pole of the Moon and send a rover to explore the expansive terrain of the Moon.
2. Studies of Structure and Geology: The primary purpose is to gather information about the composition and geology of the Moon, thus giving us an understanding of its history and of its development.
3. Scientific Experiments: ISRO missions like Chandrayaan 3 aim at conducting scientific experiments and research. It involves the study of the lunar environment, including its climate, mineral composition, and seismic activity, using instruments such as Rambha and ILSA
4. Lunar Orbit Photography: This mission will capture Earth from lunar orbit, providing a unique perspective and valuable information about our planet.
5. Density Measurement: RAMBHA and other payloads will measure charged particle density near the lunar surface and monitor its variation over time, helping lunar exploration.
6. Chemical Analysis: Instruments such as APXS and LIBS will examine the chemical and physical properties of the lunar surface and soil, helping to understand the lunar composition
7. Lunar South Pole Focus: Exploration efforts will be concentrated in the South Pole region of the Moon so that lunar nights will not be too cold, facilitating continued exploration and collaboration.
Bottom line
Thanks to India’s Chandrayaan 3 lunar mission, India has been able to establish itself as one of the countries that have reached the Moon and was the first country to explore the south pole of the Moon. This mission is made possible by an unsung hero: solar panels. It powered the spacecraft, confirmed the effectiveness of solar energy, and allowed India to reveal the hidden secrets of the Moon. It sheds light on the successful trajectory of Chandrayaan-3 while encouraging future successful space missions.
Author Bio:
Kushagra Nandan is the Co-Founder, MD & CEO of SunSource Energy Pvt. Ltd. With a keen focus on India’s net zero target, he champions the pivotal role of the industry in this transformative journey. Kushagra advocates for government policies that not only empower Indian corporations to drive towards the ambitious net zero goal but also foster sustainable business growth. His insights extend to the greening of the supply chain, the surge of interest and investments in Renewable Energy in India, and the critical contribution of the C&I segment in realizing net zero targets.
