Chandrayaan-2: Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Failed Landing and Recent Developments

Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar exploration mission, was a significant step in the country’s space journey. However, the mission faced a significant setback when the Vikram lander failed to make a soft landing on the moon’s surface. This article aims to unravel the mystery behind the failed landing and discuss the recent developments since then.

The Failed Landing: What Went Wrong?

The Vikram lander was designed to execute India’s first soft landing on the lunar surface. However, during the final stages of its descent, the lander deviated from its intended trajectory and lost communication with the ground station. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) later confirmed that the lander had crash-landed on the moon.

According to ISRO, the failure was due to a software glitch in the lander’s onboard navigation system. The glitch caused the lander to approach the lunar surface at a higher-than-expected speed, leading to a hard landing instead of a soft one. The impact was so severe that it damaged the lander and disrupted its communication link with the orbiter.

Recent Developments: What Has Changed Since Then?

Despite the setback, ISRO has made significant strides in its lunar exploration program. The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which is still operational, continues to provide valuable data about the moon. The orbiter’s high-resolution camera has captured detailed images of the lunar surface, aiding in the study of its topography and mineral composition.

ISRO has also taken steps to prevent a repeat of the Vikram lander’s failure. The organization has implemented a series of software and hardware upgrades to improve the reliability and performance of its lunar landers. These include enhancements to the navigation system, the addition of a hazard avoidance system, and improvements to the landing gear.

Looking Ahead: The Future of India’s Lunar Exploration

Despite the failure of the Vikram lander, India’s lunar exploration program remains on track. ISRO is currently working on Chandrayaan-3, another lunar mission that aims to achieve a soft landing on the moon. The mission, scheduled for launch in 2022, will incorporate the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2 and feature an upgraded lander and rover.

Chandrayaan-2’s failure has been a learning experience for ISRO. It has highlighted the challenges of lunar exploration and underscored the need for rigorous testing and validation of space systems. However, with its continued efforts and commitment to learning from its mistakes, ISRO is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of the moon.