India's Chandrayaan-3 and Russia's Luna-25: race to Moon's south pole heats up
New Delhi (PTI): The race to the uncharted south pole of the Moon is quickening with India's Chandrayaan-3 and Russia's Luna-25 gearing up for lunar landings next week, each mission holding significant implications beyond the thrilling competition in the skies.
While Chandrayaan-3 plans to be the first to land on the Moon's south pole, Luna-25's swift trajectory has cast new light, say experts as anticipation builds up. The proximity, possible overlap, of their landing dates -- August 21-23 for Luna-25 and August 23-24 for Chandrayaan-3 -- has intensified global scrutiny.
Chandrayaan-3, the third mission in India's lunar exploration series, began its journey on July 14 this year and successfully entered lunar orbit on August 5. It is meticulously adjusting its orbit in preparation for a soft landing attempt within 40 days of launch.
On Wednesday, its spacecraft successfully underwent a fifth and final lunar-bound orbit manoeuvre, taking it closer to the surface of the Moon. It has now completed all its Moon-bound manoeuvres and will now prepare for separation of the lander module -- comprising the lander and rover -- from the propulsion module.
Russia, which is making a momentous return to lunar exploration, its first in almost five decades since the iconic Soviet-era Luna-24 mission in 1976, launched Luna-25 on August 10. It is taking a more direct trajectory to the Moon, potentially allowing it to attempt a landing as early as August 21, about 11 days.
The rapid journey is attributed to the mission's lightweight design and efficient fuel storage, enabling it to take a shorter path to its destination.
"Will the race make a difference? In the grand scope of cosmic exploration, the order of arrival may not significantly alter the lunar landscape. Yet, the knowledge gained from each mission will enrich our understanding of the Moon's past and potential. The value lies in the sum of our combined efforts," Chrisphin Karthick, scientist at Bangalore's Indian Institute of Astrophysics, told PTI.
A key factor in the differing arrival times of the two missions is their respective mass and fuel efficiency. Luna-25 has a leaner lift-off mass of only 1,750 kilograms, significantly lighter than Chandrayaan-3's 3,800 kg. This reduced mass allows Luna-25 to accelerate more effectively, according to India's space agency ISRO.
Moreover, Luna-25's surplus fuel storage eliminates fuel efficiency concerns, enabling it to undertake a more direct route, explained former ISRO chairperson Dr K Sivan. In contrast, Chandrayaan-3's fuel-carrying capacity constraints required a more circuitous route to the Moon.
The spacecraft's orbit was incrementally increased through a series of manoeuvres before being slingshot towards the Moon, culminating in its lunar orbit nearly 22 days after launch.
A crucial factor affecting the timing of these spacecraft landings is the path of the sun across the sky, the scientists said. The sun needs to be rising over the spots these probes are set to touch down on.
"I'm pleased to see Russia also embarking on a Moon mission. Global participation in space exploration amplifies the human spirit of curiosity and discovery," Sivan told PTI.
"Both missions aim to touch down at the lunar south pole. While the order of arrival won't significantly impact the mission outcomes, it does reinforce the collective commitment to exploring new frontiers," he added.
The lunar landscape, he said, is unique and presents distinct challenges. The mission's success isn't solely determined by the order of landing.
"Lunar exploration demands higher thruster power and advanced technologies, each contributing to the overall success," Sivan said.
"Payload considerations are pivotal in mission planning. The quest for the lunar south pole demands precision, efficiency, and adaptability. India's mission showcases our dedication to achieving the highest thrust values, a testament to our technical prowess," he said.
At a time of renewed global interest in space exploration, India and Russia stand at the precipice of historical achievements, both countries shaping the trajectory of humanity's quest to uncover the secrets of Earth's celestial neighbour.
As the world watches, both missions are expected to provide groundbreaking insights into the Moon's composition, its history and potential as a resource-rich body.
Noting that healthy competition is a catalyst for growth, Karthick said the race to the lunar south pole fosters a dynamic environment where nations can learn from each other's achievements and setbacks.
"This competition ignites a spirit of innovation, pushing us to improve our spacefaring capabilities collectively."
"We are moving forward, adhering to our timeline. Our approach is grounded in sound physics that aligns with our economic reality. While cost-efficiency is a consideration, it doesn't deter us from reaching for the stars. Our goal is to fulfill the aspirations of our nation while adhering to responsible resource management," Karthick added.
The lunar south pole holds particular interest due to its potential water resources and unique geological features. The relatively unexplored region is pivotal for future lunar missions, including the upcoming Artemis-III mission by US space agency NASA, which aims to carry humans to the Moon after a five-decade hiatus.
"The uncharted terrain of the lunar south pole beckons us with the promise of unravelling more profound insights about our celestial neighbour. Our mission to the Moon is a testament to our resolve to explore the unknown." Karthick said.
"The south pole of the Moon offers a treasure trove of scientific opportunities. Investigating this region will yield valuable insights, contributing to our understanding of the Moon's history and evolution," he added.
Experts say the findings from these missions will not only enrich our understanding of the lunar environment but also pave the way for future lunar exploration endeavours.
"Through these missions, we will gain new technological capabilities that will expand our expertise in space exploration. Each mission holds the potential for groundbreaking science experiments that will broaden our understanding of the Moon's mysteries." Sivan said.
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Prasidh, Kuldeep limit South Africa to 270 after De Kock's hundred
Visakhapatnam (PTI): India fought back gallantly through Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav after Quinton de Kock struck his 23rd hundred, keeping South Africa to a manageable 270 in the third and series-deciding final ODI, here Saturday.
India won the toss after judging the spin of the coin incorrectly 20 times in a row. They had little hesitation in inserting the Proteas into bat, a clear indication of dew factor dominating the thought.
After Arshdeep Singh sent back Ryan Rickelton early, De Kock (106, 89b, 8x4, 6x4) struck his seventh century against India and put on 113 runs off 124 balls with skipper Temba Bavuma (48, 67b) as the visitors moved to a healthy position.
De Kock was severe on Prasidh (4/66), who erred on length continuously in his first spell (2-0-27-0). The left-hander biffed the pacer for 6, 6, 4 in his second over to milk 18 runs.
The 32-year-old quickly pounced on anything that was short, and pacers Prasidh and Harshit offered him plenty of feed on his pet areas.
Bavuma was more sedate, and made runs through those typical dabs and jabs, occasionally unfurling a drive of elan.
De Kock moved to fifty in 42 balls, and never let the tempo down reaching his hundred in 79 balls.
India found temporary relief when Ravindra Jadeja induced a false slash from Bavuma to get caught by Virat Kohli at point.
The tourists got another move on through a 54-run partnership between De Kock and Matthew Breetzkle for the third wicket, and at 168 for two in 28 overs they were in a good position to press on.
But Breetzke's punishment of part-time spinner Tilak Varma forced a rethink in the Indian camp, as skipper KL Rahul brought back Prasidh for a second spell.
What a masterstroke it turned out to be! The Karnataka man broke the back of South Africa’s top and middle order in an exceptional second spell (4-0-11-3).
Breetzke was the first man to go, trapped plumb in front with a straight one and four balls later Aiden Markram uppishly chipped a fuller delivery to Kohli at short covers.
Prasidh soon castled De Kock, whose ugly cross-batted swipe failed to connect a full length delivery from the pacer.
All of a sudden, SA found themselves at a shaky 199 for five, losing three wickets in the space of three overs.
Once Prasidh was done away with the top and middle-order, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep (4/41) took over and mopped up the tail as SA fell short of even a par total on this track.
