The story of ISRO’s lunar missions, encapsulated in the Chandrayaan series, reflects a journey of learning and progress. After the Chandrayaan-2 mission faced a setback due to a crash during its moon landing attempt, ISRO has meticulously analyzed the failures and implemented vital changes for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. The failure of Chandrayaan-2 was primarily attributed to the irregular flow of fuel into the thrusters, leading to unintended thrust and orientation changes. The corrective software also faced limitations.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission incorporates seven key improvements: precise engine thrust control, algorithm modifications, instantaneous thrust regulation, increased individual thrust variability, introduction of the Laser Doppler Velocimeter for fuel flow regulation, enhanced lander rotation rate, and contingency management paths. These enhancements are anticipated to result in a successful soft landing, underscoring the spirit of learning and determination embedded in ISRO’s space exploration endeavors.
UPSC Prelims Topics
- Thruster Variability: The variability of individual thrust (48N) in Chandrayaan-3, providing resilience against thruster malfunction.
- Laser Doppler Velocimeter: The use of LDV to regulate fuel flow into engines through reflected light measurement.
- Engine Thrust Control: Reduction of throttle valve slewing rate for precise control of fuel flow into engines.
- Lander Rotation Rate: The increased lander rotation rate of 25 degrees per second for faster repositioning.
UPSC Mains / Interview Questions:
- How did the irregular fuel flow contribute to the failure of Chandrayaan-2’s landing attempt, and what improvements have been introduced to address this issue in Chandrayaan-3?
Hint: The Chandrayaan-2 failure was caused by excessive thrust due to uneven fuel flow. Chandrayaan-3 addresses this with enhanced thrust control, reduced throttle valve slewing rate, and the introduction of LDV to regulate fuel flow more accurately.
- Explain the significance of the Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) in the context of Chandrayaan-3’s mission enhancements.
Hint: The LDV is a sophisticated instrument used to measure the flow rate of liquid by analyzing the reflected laser light. In Chandrayaan-3, LDV helps in precise regulation of engine thrust by ensuring consistent fuel flow.
- How has the concept of “learning from failure” been exemplified in ISRO’s approach to the Chandrayaan missions?
Hint: ISRO’s approach to Chandrayaan missions reflects a learning-oriented mindset. After Chandrayaan-2’s failure, ISRO analyzed the mistakes and introduced improvements, showcasing the organization’s resilience and commitment to progress.
- Elaborate on the importance of contingency management paths in space missions like Chandrayaan-3.
Hint: Contingency management paths provide alternative strategies to handle unexpected situations. In Chandrayaan-3, these paths ensure that even if the lander deviates, a soft landing is possible, demonstrating ISRO’s preparedness for various scenarios.
- Discuss the role of algorithms in Chandrayaan missions and how their modification contributed to Chandrayaan-3’s improvements.
Hint: Algorithms play a pivotal role in regulating thrust and control. Chandrayaan-3’s modified algorithms allow instantaneous thrust regulation, enabling better control over the descent phase and mitigating previous shortcomings.
- How does Chandrayaan-3’s approach to dealing with individual thruster behavior differ from that of Chandrayaan-2, and what advantages does this variation offer?
Hint: Chandrayaan-3 allows increased variability (48N) among individual thrusters, ensuring the vehicle’s tolerance towards minor deviations. This enhancement enables the spacecraft to manage any thruster “misbehavior” without compromising the mission’s success.