Context: ISRO set to launch earth observation satellite using PSLV rocket on Sunday

Source: The Hindu

With the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission scheduled to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:59 AM on Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organization is prepared for its 101st launch.

India’s ability to conduct surveillance in all weather circumstances is anticipated to be improved by the EOS-09 earth observation satellite. Because of the satellite’s C-band synthetic aperture radar, high-resolution photographs of the earth’s surface may be taken around-the-clock in all weather situations.

The third in-person technical interface conference for the Chandrayaan-5/Lunar Polar Exploration project was held at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru by the space agency of Japan, JAXA, in collaboration with ISRO.

The Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Mission, in partnership with JAXA, will be the fifth mission in the Chandrayaan series of lunar missions, building on the legacy of Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 (orbiter-based lunar exploration), Chandrayaan-3 (lander-rover based in-situ exploration), and the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 (India’s first lunar sample return mission). Its goal is to investigate the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region in the lunar south pole.

JAXA will launch the mission aboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, which will carry the MHI-Japan-made lunar rover and the ISRO-made lunar lander. In addition to creating the lunar lander, ISRO is in charge of creating a few scientific tools for the expedition. ISRO, JAXA, ESA, and NASA would all contribute scientific instruments for this mission that are specifically related to the exploration and in-situ investigation of the volatiles that are reserved in the lunar pole area.

Model Question:

“Discuss the significance of India’s Chandrayaan missions in the context of lunar exploration and its implications for India’s space diplomacy and scientific advancement.”

Model Answer:

India’s Chandrayaan series, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), represents a significant leap in the country’s space exploration capabilities. The missions have advanced scientific understanding of the Moon and elevated India’s status in global space diplomacy.

Overview of Chandrayaan Missions:

1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission. Discovered water molecules on the Moon (with NASA’s M3 payload). Successfully mapped lunar surface minerals. Marked India’s entry into deep space exploration
2. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Consisted of an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). Orbiter successful, providing high-resolution lunar images and data. Lander crash-landed, but mission considered 95% successful
3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Focused solely on lander and rover (no orbiter). India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. Marked India as the fourth nation to achieve soft landing on the Moon. Rover Pragyan confirmed presence of sulphur and other minerals on the lunar surface

Scientific Significance:

1. Confirmed water ice presence – critical for future lunar habitation and fuel production
2. High-resolution mapping of lunar topography and mineralogy
3. Helped understand thermal behavior of lunar soil
4. Enabled study of Moon’s exosphere and surface composition

Strategic and Diplomatic Impact:

1. Enhanced India’s global image as a cost-effective and reliable space power
2. Boosted India’s soft power and international collaborations (e.g., with NASA, ESA)
3. Opened avenues for future lunar economy participation (mining, station support)
4. Strengthened India’s voice in space governance forums

Technological Advancements:

1. Development of indigenous landing technologies and AI navigation
2. Boosted confidence for future missions like Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) and Shukrayaan (Venus mission)
3. Paved the way for ISRO’s long-term deep space exploration goals

Future Prospects:

Chandrayaan series serves as the foundation for: Lunar sample return missions. India’s involvement in Artemis Accords and international lunar missions. Possible establishment of robotic lunar base technologies

The Chandrayaan missions symbolize India’s emergence as a significant space-faring nation. From scientific breakthroughs to international prestige, these missions demonstrate India’s commitment to peaceful, inclusive, and knowledge-driven exploration of outer space. As India ventures further into space, Chandrayaan remains a cornerstone of ISRO’s success story.