Why Did Chandrayaan-3 Lander Carry More Fuel for Last-Minute Landing Site Change?

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, India’s third lunar exploration mission, has been a topic of great interest and speculation among space enthusiasts and experts alike. One of the most intriguing aspects of this mission is the decision by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to equip the Chandrayaan-3 Lander with more fuel than its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. This decision was made to ensure that the Lander could make a last-minute change in its landing site if necessary. But why was this considered necessary? Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

Understanding the Need for More Fuel

The primary reason for carrying more fuel in the Chandrayaan-3 Lander was to provide it with greater flexibility in terms of its landing site. The lunar surface is fraught with unpredictable challenges, including uneven terrain, craters, and boulders. By carrying more fuel, the Lander would have the ability to adjust its landing site at the last minute, thereby avoiding any potential hazards and increasing the chances of a successful landing.

Learning from Past Experiences

The decision to carry more fuel was also influenced by the experiences of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The Chandrayaan-2 Lander, Vikram, was unable to make a soft landing on the lunar surface, and communication with it was lost. One of the potential reasons for this was the inability to change the landing site at the last minute. By learning from this experience, ISRO aimed to increase the chances of success for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Increased Fuel, Increased Weight?

One might wonder if carrying more fuel would increase the weight of the Lander, thereby making the mission more challenging. However, ISRO has addressed this concern by making design modifications to the Lander. These modifications have helped to offset the additional weight of the extra fuel, ensuring that the mission remains feasible and efficient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to carry more fuel in the Chandrayaan-3 Lander was a strategic one, aimed at increasing the flexibility and chances of success for the mission. It reflects ISRO’s commitment to learning from past experiences and continually improving its approach to space exploration. As we await the launch of Chandrayaan-3, it is clear that this mission represents another significant step forward in India’s journey into space.