What is Chandrayann-3 Mission’s ChaSTE?

On August 23, 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission made history when its Vikram lander successfully touched down on the Moon’s surface. Among its pioneering instruments was the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), designed to measure lunar temperatures in situ, particularly near the Moon’s south pole. This mission marked advancement in lunar exploration, revealing the greater prevalence of water ice than previously anticipated.

ChaSTE

ChaSTE is the first instrument to penetrate the lunar soil for temperature measurements. It features a probe equipped with ten temperature sensors arranged 1 cm apart. The probe employs a rotation-based mechanism to push itself into the lunar surface. This innovative design allowed it to operate successfully where previous missions had failed.

Deployment Mechanism

The probe’s deployment involves a motor that rotates, pushing the probe downwards. As it penetrates, the resistance from the soil increases, requiring more force from the motor. This feedback mechanism enables scientists to accurately determine how deep the probe has descended, confirming its contact with the lunar surface.

Significant Findings

ChaSTE reached a final depth of 10 cm and collected temperature data until September 2, 2023. The findings suggested a higher abundance of water ice in the lunar soil, which could have implications for future lunar exploration and potential colonisation efforts.

Comparison with Previous Missions

ChaSTE’s success contrasts sharply with earlier missions such as the European Space Agency’s Philae lander and NASA’s InSight mission. Philae’s MUPUS instrument failed to deploy due to an awkward landing on comet 67P, while InSight’s HP3 struggled with soil friction, preventing it from gathering temperature data. ChaSTE’s rotating deployment mechanism was the key innovation that allowed it to overcome these challenges.

Implications for Future Research

The success of ChaSTE opens new avenues for lunar research. About the thermal properties of the Moon’s surface is crucial for future missions. The presence of water ice could support human habitation and fuel production, making lunar exploration more feasible.

Technological Innovations

The design of ChaSTE represents technological advancement in planetary exploration. By utilising a rotating mechanism rather than a hammering device, it has set a new standard for future instruments that aim to probe celestial bodies.

International Context

ChaSTE’s achievements contribute to the global effort in space exploration. Various countries are investing in lunar missions, and ChaSTE’s findings will enhance international knowledge about the Moon, encouraging collaboration in scientific research.

Future Lunar Exploration

As space agencies plan future missions to the Moon, the success of ChaSTE will inform the design of new instruments. The data collected can guide strategies for resource utilisation and habitat construction on the lunar surface.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the technological advancements in space exploration instruments from past missions to the present.
2. Discuss the significance of water ice on the Moon in the context of future lunar colonisation.
3. What are the challenges faced in planetary exploration? Critically discuss with examples.
4. Analyse the role of international collaboration in advancing space research and exploration.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the technological advancements in space exploration instruments from past missions to the present.

1. Early instruments relied on basic sensors and manual data collection methods.
2. Recent missions have introduced automated systems, such as ChaSTE’s rotating probe mechanism.
3. Technological improvements include enhanced sensors for more accurate data and real-time analysis.
4. Advancements in robotics have allowed for better mobility and deployment in challenging environments.
5. Integration of AI and machine learning is helping in data interpretation and mission planning.

2. Discuss the significance of water ice on the Moon in the context of future lunar colonisation.

1. Water ice can provide essential resources for drinking water, agriculture, and oxygen production.
2. It can be converted into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel, facilitating deeper space exploration.
3. Presence of water ice indicates potential for sustainable human habitation on the Moon.
4. About water distribution aids in selecting optimal sites for lunar bases.
5. Water ice research contributes to understanding the Moon’s geological history and evolution.

3. What are the challenges faced in planetary exploration? Critically discuss with examples.

1. Landing precision is crucial; for example, Philae’s awkward landing prevented successful deployment of its instruments.
2. Soil composition and resistance can hinder probe penetration, as seen with InSight’s HP3 on Mars.
3. Communication delays and data transmission issues can complicate real-time decision-making.
4. Extreme environmental conditions (temperature, radiation) pose risks to instrument functionality.
5. Funding and resource allocation can limit the scope and scale of exploration missions.

4. Analyse the role of international collaboration in advancing space research and exploration.

1. International partnerships enhance resource sharing, expertise, and technology development.
2. Collaborative missions, like the International Space Station, encourage joint scientific research and innovation.
3. Shared data and findings from various countries improve global understanding of celestial bodies.
4. Joint efforts can reduce costs and risks associated with complex space missions.
5. International collaboration promotes peaceful use of outer space and encourages diplomatic relations.