Chandrayaan-2’s Descent Mishap: Insights into the Moon Landing Failure

On September 7, 2019, India’s ambitious lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, experienced a significant setback when the Vikram lander lost control during its descent and crashed onto the moon’s surface. The mission was a significant step for India’s space exploration program, aiming to make India the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon. However, the descent mishap has raised several questions about what went wrong and how it could have been prevented. This article aims to provide insights into the moon landing failure of Chandrayaan-2.

What Happened During the Descent?

The Vikram lander began its descent towards the moon’s surface at a height of about 30 km. The initial phase of the descent, known as the rough braking phase, was executed perfectly. However, around 7.2 km from the surface, the lander deviated from its intended trajectory. Despite attempts to regain control, the lander continued to descend haphazardly and eventually crashed onto the moon’s surface at a speed of about 580 km/hr.

What Caused the Descent Mishap?

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the failure was due to a problem in the lander’s braking system. The braking system was designed to slow down the lander’s descent and guide it to a soft landing. However, a malfunction in the system caused the lander to descend faster than planned and deviate from its trajectory. The exact cause of the malfunction is still under investigation.

What Was the Impact of the Failure?

Despite the failure of the Vikram lander, the Chandrayaan-2 mission was not a total loss. The orbiter, which is still in operation around the moon, continues to send valuable data back to Earth. The orbiter’s mission life is estimated to be seven years, during which it will study the moon’s topography, mineralogy, exosphere, and the presence of water-ice on the moon’s surface.

What Are the Lessons Learned?

The Chandrayaan-2 mission has provided valuable lessons for future lunar missions. The failure has highlighted the importance of thorough testing and validation of all systems, especially those critical for landing. It has also underscored the need for robust contingency plans to handle unexpected situations during the descent. Despite the setback, the mission has paved the way for future lunar exploration and has provided valuable data that will help in the planning and execution of future missions.

Conclusion

While the descent mishap of Chandrayaan-2 was a significant setback, it has provided valuable insights and lessons for future lunar missions. The mission’s success in reaching the moon and the continued operation of the orbiter demonstrate India’s capabilities in space exploration. With the lessons learned from this mission, India is well-positioned to achieve success in its future lunar exploration endeavors.