In 2019, India's ambitious space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), set its sights on the moon once again with Chandrayaan 2. This landmark mission aimed to explore the uncharted territories of the lunar south pole and make significant scientific discoveries. Chandrayaan 2 was a remarkable display of India's expertise, authority, and trust in the field of space exploration. In this article, we delve into the details of Chandrayaan 2, from its objectives to the remarkable findings it brought to light.

1. EDUCATION
Chandrayaan 2 the Mysteries of the
Lunar World
 BY MOHIT-KUMAR-SHARMA
 JUL 21, 2023 11:36

Introduction
In 2019, India's ambitious space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), set its sights on the moon once again with Chandrayaan 2. This landmark
mission aimed to explore the uncharted territories of the lunar south pole and make
significant scientific discoveries. Chandrayaan 2 was a remarkable display of India's

2. expertise, authority, and trust in the field of space exploration. In this article, we delve
into the details of Chandrayaan 2, from its objectives to the remarkable findings it
brought to light.
Chandrayaan 2: The Journey Begins
Chandrayaan 2 was launched on July 22, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre in Sriharikota, India. The mission comprised three key components: the
Orbiter, the Vikram Lander, and the Pragyan Rover. Together, these components
worked in tandem to explore the moon's surface and study its geological composition,
making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
The Objectives of Chandrayaan 2
1. Understanding Lunar Topography: The mission sought to extensively map the
lunar surface to understand its topography and variations in the terrain.
2. Water Ice Detection: One of the primary objectives was to detect the presence
of water ice on the moon, which could be a valuable resource for future lunar
missions.
3. Mineralogical Analysis: Chandrayaan 2 aimed to conduct a detailed study of
minerals and elements present on the lunar surface.
4. Lander-Rover Interaction: The mission aimed to demonstrate the
communication and mobility capabilities of the Lander and Rover.
The Significance of Exploring the Lunar South Pole
The south pole of the moon was the chosen destination for Chandrayaan 2 for several
reasons. Unlike the relatively well-explored lunar equator, the south pole offered vast
expanses of uncharted territory. The region also houses permanently shadowed craters
that are believed to contain water ice and other volatile compounds. These resources
could be invaluable for sustaining future human settlements on the moon and even for
enabling deeper space exploration.

3. The Orbiter: Eyes in the Sky
The Orbiter was the backbone of the Chandrayaan 2 mission, designed to orbit the
moon and conduct remote observations. Its suite of sophisticated instruments enabled
high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic analysis of the lunar surface. The Orbiter
played a crucial role in supporting the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover during
their mission on the moon's surface.
The Vikram Lander: A Nerve-Wracking Descent
1. Soft Landing Attempt: Vikram Lander's main objective was to perform a
controlled and precise soft landing on the moon's surface.
2. Anomaly During Descent: Unfortunately, during the final stages of descent,
communication with the Vikram Lander was lost, and it crash-landed on the lunar
surface.
3. Partial Success: Despite the setback, the mission was considered a partial
success, as the Orbiter continued to provide valuable data from its orbit.
The Pragyan Rover: Exploring the Moon's Surface
1. Lunar Mobility: The Pragyan Rover was designed to move across the lunar
surface, conducting in-situ experiments.
2. An Abrupt End: Tragically, the Rover's mission was cut short when the Vikram
Lander lost communication.
3. Valuable Contributions: However, during its brief operational period, the Rover
provided crucial data about the lunar soil and surface conditions.
Discoveries and Findings
1. Water Ice Confirmed: Chandrayaan 2's findings confirmed the presence of
water ice in the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar south pole.
2. Lunar Exosphere: The mission's orbiter discovered the existence of a tenuous
exosphere on the moon.

4. 3. Mapping of Minerals: Chandrayaan 2's instruments provided detailed maps of
various minerals on the lunar surface.
4. Helium-3: The mission also detected traces of helium-3, a potential fuel for
future fusion reactors.
The Future of Lunar Exploration
Chandrayaan 2 opened the door to exciting possibilities for future lunar exploration. The
discoveries made during this mission have paved the way for upcoming lunar missions,
including India's Chandrayaan 3, which aims to succeed where Chandrayaan 2 faced
challenges.
FAQs
Q: How long did Chandrayaan 2's Orbiter function? A: The Orbiter, which continues
to orbit the moon, has an expected operational life of around 7.5 years.
Q: Did Chandrayaan 2's crash-landing affect its scientific contributions? A:
Despite the Vikram Lander's unfortunate outcome, the Orbiter's ongoing mission yielded
valuable scientific data.
Q: Can water ice on the moon support human colonization? A: Yes, water ice could
potentially be converted into water and oxygen, crucial for sustaining human
settlements.
Q: How does the discovery of helium-3 benefit space exploration? A: Helium-3 is a
promising fuel for fusion reactors, which could one day power spacecraft for
interplanetary travel.
Q: Will Chandrayaan 2's findings influence international lunar missions? A:
Absolutely, Chandrayaan 2's discoveries have already inspired and influenced future
international lunar missions.
Q: What are the future plans for lunar exploration after Chandrayaan 2? A: India's
Chandrayaan 3 and several other missions by different countries are in the pipeline for
further lunar exploration.

5. Conclusion
Chandrayaan 2 remains a testament to India's prowess in space exploration and its
commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. Despite the challenges faced
during the mission, the knowledge gained from Chandrayaan 2 has significantly
contributed to our understanding of the moon's enigmatic south pole. As the world gears
up for more lunar exploration, the discoveries made by Chandrayaan 2 will continue to
guide and inspire future missions. The quest to explore the universe is an endeavor that
unites humanity in its pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
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