WHY CHANDRAYAAN 2 FAILED
WHY CHANDRAYAAN 2 FAILED
After 11 days of anticipation, the heart-stopping Chandrayaan 2 mission, India’s ambitious foray into the uncharted south pole of the Moon, took a disheartening turn as communication with the lander, Vikram, was lost as it attempted its final descent to the lunar surface on September 7, 2019. This article delves into the intricate details surrounding this mission, unveiling the factors that may have contributed to the setback, and exploring the lessons learned from this commendable endeavor.
A Look into the Lunar Terrain
The moon’s uncharted south pole, where Chandrayaan 2 aimed to land, is a region of extreme terrains. Craters, mountains, and an uneven surface paint a daunting picture for any spacecraft attempting to land. The challenges faced by Chandrayaan 2 were amplified by the region’s eternal darkness, adding to the difficulty of navigation and communication.
The Landing Phase: Navigating the Perilous Terrain
The landing phase of Chandrayaan 2 was undoubtedly the most critical juncture in the mission. With just 2.1 kilometers separating the lander from a soft touchdown, the spacecraft encountered an anomaly. This anomaly, characterized by a last-minute change in the lander’s velocity and altitude, resulted in a hard landing, causing communication loss between Vikram and the orbiter. The exact sequence of events leading to this anomaly is still under investigation, with various theories being considered.
Theory 1: Lunar Dust and Steep Slopes
The south polar region of the Moon is known for its abundant lunar dust, which can create a thick, unstable layer. This soft, powdery surface may have caused the lander’s engines to kick up dust, obscuring the lander’s visibility and potentially affecting its navigation systems. Additionally, the steep slopes of the intended landing site could have further complicated the descent.
Theory 2: Technical Glitches
Another plausible explanation lies in the possibility of technical glitches within the lander’s systems. While the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has conducted extensive tests and simulations, there always remains a risk of unforeseen technical failures. These glitches could have affected the lander’s sensors, guidance systems, or propulsion systems, leading to the отклонение from the intended trajectory.
Lessons Learned from Chandrayaan 2
Despite the setback, Chandrayaan 2 has provided valuable lessons for future missions. The intricate challenges posed by the lunar terrain and the complexities of autonomous landing have been brought into sharp focus. This knowledge will undoubtedly guide future missions, enabling them to better anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
Conclusion: The Journey Forward
The failure of Chandrayaan 2 was a setback, but not a defeat. It was a courageous attempt to push the boundaries of space exploration and to delve into uncharted territories. The lessons learned from this mission will pave the way for future endeavors, inspiring us to continue our quest for knowledge and exploration, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the primary objective of Chandrayaan 2?
- What caused the loss of communication with the lander Vikram during its final descent?
- What were the challenges faced by Chandrayaan 2 during its landing phase?
- What lessons were learned from the Chandrayaan 2 mission?
- How will the knowledge gained from Chandrayaan 2 be utilized in future missions?
Chandrayaan 2 sought to explore the Moon’s south pole, a region never before explored by any spacecraft, and study its unique characteristics, such as the presence of water ice and other resources.
The exact cause of the communication loss is still under investigation, with various theories being considered. These theories include the presence of lunar dust, steep slopes, and the possibility of technical glitches.
The landing phase of Chandrayaan 2 was fraught with challenges, including the uneven terrain, the presence of craters and mountains, the eternal darkness of the south pole, and the unpredictable nature of lunar dust.
The Chandrayaan 2 mission provided invaluable lessons for future lunar missions, highlighting the significance of detailed terrain mapping, robust communication systems, and a comprehensive understanding of lunar dust behavior.
The knowledge gained from Chandrayaan 2 will serve as a guiding force for future lunar missions, informing spacecraft design, landing strategies, terrain analysis, and communication systems, ultimately contributing to the success of future lunar exploration endeavors.
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