Chandrayaan-4 – All You Need to Know
On August 23, 2023, India etched its name in history as the Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved an unprecedented feat by successfully landing on the Moon’s South Pole. The mission included the deployment of a rover named Pragyan, slated to be operational for a span of two weeks. As this mission reaches its conclusion, anticipation builds for the subsequent phase: Chandrayaan-4. This forthcoming endeavor is a result of collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), jointly termed the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX).
In recent years, the accumulation of observational data hinted at the presence of water on the lunar surface. The potential existence of lunar water holds significant implications for the trajectory of space exploration and the prospect of sustainable human habitation in our celestial neighbor. LUPEX, embodied by the Chandrayaan-4 mission, is poised to provide definitive answers to these enigmas.
The Aims of Chandrayaan-4 Mission
The core objective of the Chandrayaan-4 Mission centers around addressing the fundamental queries within lunar exploration, particularly the quest to determine the presence of water on the Moon. Concentrating on the lunar polar regions, this mission endeavors to ascertain not only the existence of water but also its utility. This two-fold mission approach encompasses both quantifying and characterizing lunar water resources. The joint efforts of India and Japan leverage their combined abilities to address a significant mystery in lunar science, while simultaneously enhancing our understanding of lunar exploration.
The “Quantity Aspect” of the mission aims to establish the precise quantity of water within projected regions, drawing from existing observational data. By acquiring in-situ measurements and ground truth data, LUPEX will supply vital information for determining the extent of water that needs to be transported from Earth for future lunar missions, as well as the extent that can be sourced locally.
This data has the potential to revolutionize the economic and sustainable aspects of lunar exploration. The “Quality Aspect” delves into understanding the distribution, conditions, and forms of lunar water resources through in-situ observations in the polar regions. This understanding is vital for effectively harnessing lunar water for various applications, such as support, propulsion, or even as shielding material.
To achieve these ambitious objectives, LUPEX will deploy a cutting-edge spacecraft armed with advanced features like thin-film solar cells and ultra-high-density energy batteries. These innovations ensure an uninterrupted power supply even during lunar nights and in shaded areas, critical for the rover’s functionality and survival in the lunar environment.
LUPEX not only advances lunar surface exploration technology but also lays the groundwork for mobility solutions, lunar night survival mechanisms, and even excavation techniques for potential mining endeavors. These advancements hold the potential to impact not just lunar activities but also future missions to celestial bodies like Mars and beyond. As India and Japan join hands in the pursuit of lunar knowledge, the Chandrayaan-4 mission stands poised to unlock new frontiers in space exploration.
