Question: What is Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander?
Answer: Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander is a crucial component of India's lunar exploration mission. It is designed to perform a "soft landing" on the moon's surface and deploy the Pragyan Rover.
Question: Tell me about the Pragyan Rover.
Answer: The Pragyan Rover is a robotic vehicle carried by the Vikram Lander. It is equipped with scientific instruments to conduct experiments on the lunar surface and analyze its chemical composition.
Question: What role does the Vikram Lander play in the mission?
Answer: The Vikram Lander's primary role is to facilitate a controlled landing on the moon's surface and release the Pragyan Rover. It is responsible for ensuring a safe landing and successful deployment of the rover.
Question: What is the purpose of the Propulsion Module?
Answer: The Propulsion Module's main purpose is to carry the Vikram Lander from the launch vehicle injection till it reaches a specific orbit around the moon. It provides the necessary propulsion for the lunar journey.
Question: Can you explain the propulsion module's payload, SHAPE?
Answer: The SHAPE payload on the propulsion module is designed to perform spectroscopic studies of Earth's atmosphere. It measures variations in polarization from Earth's clouds to collect signatures of exoplanets that could support human habitability.
Question: How long will the Propulsion Module continue to operate?
Answer: The propulsion module's payload will be operational for a period of three to six months after the separation of the lander module. However, the module itself will continue its journey in the current orbit.
Question: What is the significance of the Pragyan Rover's mission on the moon's surface?
Answer: The Pragyan Rover's mission is to conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface, providing valuable insights into the moon's composition and geological characteristics.
Question: When is the Vikram Lander expected to touch down on the moon?
Answer: The Vikram Lander is expected to make a "soft landing" on the moon's surface on August 23 at 5:47 p.m.
Question: How does the separation of the propulsion and lander modules impact the mission's progress?
Answer: The separation of the two modules marks a significant milestone in the mission. After separation, complex braking maneuvers will be executed to ensure a soft landing of the lander in the moon's south polar region.
Question: What is the mission duration for the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover on the moon's surface?
Answer: The lander and the rover have a mission life of one lunar day, which is equivalent to approximately 14 Earth days.
Question: What does the successful separation of the propulsion and lander modules indicate for India's space program?
Answer: The successful separation showcases the progress and capabilities of India's space program. It signifies that the mission is on track and moving towards achieving its objectives of lunar exploration and scientific research.
