Q5.What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

Chandrayaan-3's primary objective was to achieve a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, specifically near the Moon's South Pole. This crucial task, which its predecessor Chandrayaan-2's Vikram lander could not accomplish due to a last-minute communication loss and hard landing, was essential for India to demonstrate advanced lunar exploration capabilities and deploy a rover for in-situ chemical analysis.

Lunar Soft Landing Achievers

• United States of America
• Russia (then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
• China

Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Subsystems

• Propulsion Module: Carried the Lander and Rover configuration from Earth orbit to a 100 km lunar orbit, providing necessary thrust and navigation.
• Lander Module (Vikram): Designed for the autonomous soft landing on the lunar surface, executing precise descent maneuvers.
• Rover (Pragyan): A six-wheeled robotic vehicle deployed from the Lander to explore the lunar surface, collect data, and conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Role of Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC)

The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre played a pivotal role in the successful launch from Sriharikota. It enabled remote monitoring and real-time data analysis from various launch systems and sensors. The VLCC facilitated collaborative decision-making among multiple expert teams situated across different geographical locations, ensuring seamless communication and coordination during critical launch phases. This enhanced reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, contributing significantly to the mission's initial success.

Chandrayaan-3's triumph in achieving a soft lunar landing and deploying a rover marked a historic milestone for India, solidifying its position among elite spacefaring nations and paving the way for future lunar and planetary explorations.