The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has once again demonstrated its prowess in space exploration with the successful return of Chandrayaan-3’s propulsion module to Earth’s orbit. This remarkable feat, achieved through a series of meticulously planned and executed maneuvers, marks a significant milestone for India’s lunar exploration program.
The propulsion module, initially tasked with transporting the Chandrayaan-3 lander to the Moon, showcased its versatility by returning to Earth orbit, thus proving Isro’s capability to not only reach the Moon but also to bring payloads back to Earth.
This success lays a robust foundation for Isro’s future ambitions, including returning not just samples from the Moon, but also Indian astronauts.
HOW ARE ROCKS BROUGHT FROM THE MOON TO EARTH?
Plans to return samples with Chandrayaan-4 or future Indian astronauts from the Moon will not be easy and will have to be divided into multiple steps. These include:-
* Soft landing and Sample Collection: This involves safely landing a spacecraft on the lunar surface and collecting samples for analysis.
* Lift-Off from the Moon: This step requires the spacecraft to launch from the lunar surface to re-enter lunar orbit.
* In-Orbit Docking with the Sample Return Module: This step involves the spacecraft, now with lunar samples, docking with a module in orbit for the journey back to Earth.
* Travelling back from the Moon towards Earth: This phase covers the return journey of the spacecraft from lunar orbit to Earth.
* Re-Entry and Touchdown: The final step is the re-entry of the spacecraft into Earth’s atmosphere and a safe landing.
Isro has successfully demonstrated proficiency in some of these steps.
With Chandrayaan 3, Isro successfully showcased its ability for soft landing, as seen with the Vikram lander on August 23, 2023. This step is critical for any mission involving surface exploration or sample collection.
Then, on September 3, 2023, Isro further demonstrated its capability to re-ignite engines on the lunar surface. This technology was tested during the short duration ‘HOP’ test of the Vikram Lander, proving crucial for the lift-off stage from the Moon.
Chandrayaan 3’s success in carrying out in-situ experiments on the lunar surface, including the use of a drill bit, highlights Isro’s capability in sample collection, an integral part of lunar exploration.
Isro’s recent maneuver, using leftover fuel in a propulsion module to transition from lunar orbit to Earth-bound orbit, showcased the ability to bring a spacecraft back from the Moon to Earth.
The 2007 SRE experiment, which involved bringing back a 550 kg SRE capsule from a 635 km polar orbit, demonstrated Isro’s readiness for re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere and safe touchdown.
THE FINAL TEST REMAINS- SPADEX
With these four steps already in its arsenal, Isro’s Spadex mission is set to tackle the final and equally critical component: demonstrating in-orbit docking mechanisms. This is not just an essential step for the success of Chandrayaan 4 but is also vital for future missions, including India’s aspirations for a manned space station and lunar exploration.
Spadex mission is not just another launch into space; it represents a significant leap in India’s space exploration capabilities.
The core of Spadex involves the launching of two spacecraft, aptly named the Chaser and the Target, in an integrated form. This initial phase is just the beginning of a highly intricate space ballet. Once in orbit, these two spacecraft will part ways, only to engage in a sophisticated and autonomous docking procedure later.
The successful execution of this docking maneuver will be a clear demonstration of Isro’s advanced capabilities in space navigation and robotics.
However, the significance of Spadex goes beyond the technicalities of launching and docking spacecraft. This mission will be a strategic milestone for India, opening up new possibilities in space exploration. Mastering the technology for in-orbit docking is essential for more complex interplanetary missions, which could include manned missions or even deep space exploration.
Furthermore, such technological prowess is key to enabling international collaborations in the space arena, positioning India as a desirable partner in future multinational space projects.
Spadex is emblematic of India’s growing scientific and technological power. It is a mission that underlines the country’s ambitious vision in space exploration. By embarking on this challenging mission, India is not just pushing the boundaries of its capabilities but is also contributing significantly to the global body of space exploration knowledge.
(This is an authored article by Manish Purohit. Manish is a solar energy and spacecraft solar panel expert with extensive experience in managing critical space missions, including Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan)