Chandrayaan-2, launched by ISRO on July 22, 2019, is a landmark mission in India's space exploration journey. Aimed at exploring the Moon's south polar region, it comprises an orbiter, a lander, and a rover.

This mission highlights India's growing capabilities in space science and technology. Despite challenges, Chandrayaan-2 has made significant contributions to lunar research. Keep reading to learn more about this revolutionary mission.

India’s second lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-2, was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It launched on July 22, 2019, with a view to build on the success of India’s first moon mission, Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2 consisted of an orbiter named Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, all aimed at exploring the lunar surface to improve our understanding of its topography, mineralogy and exosphere. This ambitious mission underscored India’s growing abilities in space exploration and its dedication to scientific discovery.

Chandrayaan-2 is an intricate and sophisticated moon mission comprising three major elements: the Orbiter, Lander (Vikram), and Rover (Pragyan). Each of these components is equipped with unique instruments and capabilities specifically designed to achieve the objectives of this endeavour.

1. Orbiter

• Weight: 2,379 kg
• Dimensions: 3.2 x 5.8 x 2.1 metres
• Power Generation: Solar panels generating 1,000 watts
• Key Instruments:
  1. Terrain Mapping Camera-2 (TMC-2): Creates high-resolution 3D maps of the lunar surface.
  2. Chandrayaan-2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS): Analyses the abundance of key elements like magnesium, aluminium, and silicon.
  3. Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM): Supports CLASS by measuring solar X-rays.
  4. Imaging IR Spectrometer (IIRS): Maps the lunar surface for water/hydroxyl.
  5. Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR): Provides detailed mapping of the lunar surface and subsurface features.
  6. Chandrayaan-2 Atmospheric Compositional Explorer 2 (CHACE-2): Studies the composition of the lunar exosphere.
  7. Dual Frequency Radio Science Experiment (DFRS): Studies the electron density in the lunar ionosphere.

2. Lander (Vikram)

• Weight: 1,471 kg
• Dimensions: 2.54 x 2 x 1.2 metres
• Power Generation: Solar panels generating 650 watts
• Key Instruments:
  1. Seismometer for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): Measures seismic activity on the Moon.
  2. Langmuir Probe (LP): Measures the density and variation of lunar surface plasma.
  3. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): Studies the lunar ionosphere.

3. Rover (Pragyan)

• Weight: 27 kg
• Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.75 x 0.85 metres
• Power Generation: Solar panels generating 50 watts
• Key Instruments:
  1. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): Determines the elemental composition of the lunar soil.
  2. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): Analyses the elemental composition of lunar rocks and soil.

These specifications emphasise the sophisticated technology and scientific instruments carried on board Chandrayaan-2 that allow for a comprehensive study of the Moon and help us understand its environment and composition.

The goals behind Chandrayaan-2 were scientific and technological since they aimed at making us acquainted with the lunar surface and its environment. The following are the major objectives of Chandrayaan-2:

1. Scientific Objectives

• Mapping the Lunar Surface: Developing detailed three-dimensional maps to study the topography and the mineral composition of the Moon is done through the use of high-resolution cameras as well as imaging spectrometers.
• Study of Water/Ice on the Moon: Confirm the presence and distribution of water/hydroxyl on the lunar surface by utilising spectrometers to identify water molecules in the polar regions.
• Lunar Surface Composition: Affirm the presence and distribution of water/hydroxyl on the lunar surface and use spectrometers to identify water molecules at the poles.
• Exosphere Studies: Investigate the composition and dynamics of the lunar exosphere and observe the thin layer of gases surrounding the Moon with atmospheric sensors.
• Surface and Subsurface Studies: Comprehensively map lunar surface features; explore subsurface structures using dual-frequency radar to penetrate the lunar surface, revealing obscured features.

2. Technological Objectives

• Soft Landing on the Moon: Achieve a precise, controlled soft landing close to the South Pole area of the Moon and demonstrate the required technology for landing and roving on the lunar surface.
• Rover Operations: Release the Pragyan rover that will work in the exploring area it landed in and showcase its mobility & functionality.
• Orbital Operations: Place the orbiter into a stable orbit around the Moon for continuous scientific observations and test different technologies needed for long-term missions to the Moon.

3. Exploration Objectives

• Lunar South Pole Exploration: The Lunar South Pole is unexplored, with unique terrains and permanently shadowed areas; hence, studying the potential for water ice in these regions was a primary objective.
• Seismological Studies: Measure seismic activity on the Moon to better understand its interior structure using a seismograph to observe moonquakes.
• Thermal Properties: Measure the thermal properties of the lunar surface, especially in the polar regions, using temperature sensors.

Through this, Chandrayaan-2 was set to not only significantly expand our knowledge about this celestial body but also provide critical information for future missions to the Moon while positioning India as one of the key international players in space exploration activities around the globe.

Chandrayaan-2 has been of great importance for the advancement of the Indian Space Program and the outlook of space science in overall society. Here are some key reasons for its significance:

1. Advancing Lunar Exploration

Chandrayaan-2 has been aimed at increasing our understanding of the surface, composition and atmosphere of the Moon, especially in its unexplored south pole. The mission provides important details on lunar geology, which could be useful in forthcoming lunar missions.

2. Technological Advancement

It was able to softly land and operate a rover on the Moon's surface, which demonstrated India’s advanced space capabilities. This mission tested technologies necessary for future endeavours, thus making India one of the global leaders in lunar exploration.

3. Scientific Discoveries

Chandrayaan-2 is equipped with sophisticated instruments to analyse lunar minerals and exosphere to confirm water/hydroxyl molecules in the regions. The discoveries gave us a deep understanding of utilising lunar resources and environmental conditions for future missions.

4. International Collaboration

Chandrayaan-2 included instruments from different partners, showing India’s global space research position. The scientific output increased from this association, thereby re-emphasising its role as a significant contributor to international space initiatives.

5. Inspiring Future Generations

Global interest was sparked by Chandrayaan-2, which has led to its ability to inspire younger generations who aspire to be scientists or engineers. The mission highlighted the potential of STEM subjects, urging young minds to take up courses in space technology.

Here are some notable facts about Chandrayaan-2 that put this mission in a new light:

• India’s first try at a Moon landing, Chandrayaan-2, was a notable mission in its history of space exploration.
• The team that controlled the Chandrayaan-2 mission at ISRO was headed by two women scientists, Ritu Karidhal and M. Vanitha, who played as mission director and project director, respectively.
• The mission intended to explore this region on the Moon further, which remains relatively unexplored compared to equatorial regions where other missions have landed.
• This orbiter was designed for one year of mission life, during which it keeps orbiting around the Moon, performing scientific experiments and generating valuable data about the lunar surface.
• Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space programme, is after whom the lander component of Chandrayaan 2, Vikram, is named.
• The mission was equipped with spectrometers used for mineralogical studies, cameras for high-resolution imaging, and sensors that could take measurements from the lunar atmosphere to make significant scientific discoveries.
• The widespread interest generated by this mission in India and globally has stimulated a new generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts, particularly through its educational outreach programmes and extensive media coverage.

In conclusion, India's space exploration competence and ambition are boosted by the Chandrayaan-2. The mission has enabled us to understand the Moon’s surface and its resources. India’s commitment to advancing space science is demonstrated through the success and learning from Chandrayaan-2 that paved the way for future missions. This mission has underscored ISRO’s remarkable improvements in lunar research at a global scale.