I. Introduction
A. Chandrayaan 2 – India’s second lunar exploration mission.
B. Aims to further India’s space exploration capabilities and scientific knowledge.
C. UPSC General Studies III relevance: Covers topics such as space technology, achievements of Indians in science & technology, and their applications.
II. Overview of Chandrayaan 2 Mission
A. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 22, 2019.
B. An ambitious mission comprising an orbiter, a lander (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan).
C. Aimed to explore the Moon’s south polar region, where no previous mission had landed.
III. Components of Chandrayaan 2
A. Orbiter
1. Continues to orbit the Moon, conducting various scientific experiments.
2. Equipped with instruments to study the lunar surface, composition, and atmosphere.
B. Lander (Vikram)
1. Intended to make a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
2. Carried payloads for surface and subsurface science.
C. Rover (Pragyan)
1. Designed to operate on the lunar surface.
2. Equipped with instruments to analyze soil composition and lunar terrain.
IV. Challenges Faced
A. Communication Loss: Contact with the lander was lost during the descent phase.
B. Impact Analysis: Investigation into the cause of the communication failure.
C. Learnings: Despite setbacks, mission provided valuable data and insights for future endeavors.
V. Significance of Chandrayaan 2 Mission
A. Technological Advancements: Demonstrated India’s capabilities in space technology, including lunar orbit insertion and rover operations.
B. Scientific Discoveries: Expected to contribute to understanding lunar geology, water presence, and potential for future lunar habitation.
C. Inspiration: Motivated the Indian scientific community and inspired youth towards careers in STEM fields.
VI. Conclusion
A. Chandrayaan 2 represents India’s commitment to space exploration and scientific advancement.
B. Despite challenges, mission provided valuable insights and laid the groundwork for future lunar missions.
C. Reflects India’s growing stature in the global space community.
This note provides a concise overview of the Chandrayaan 2 mission, covering its objectives, components, challenges, significance, and implications for India’s space program. It is tailored for UPSC General Studies III preparation, focusing on space technology and scientific achievements.
