BANGALORE: With Chandrayaan-3's imminent soft landing on the moon's far side, concerns stemming from the recent crash of Russia's Luna-25 have surfaced. However, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has diligently drawn insights from Chandrayaan-2's experience and has readied itself for any potential scenarios. Aerospace scientist Radhakant Padhi sheds light on the incorporation of a "salvage mode" in Chandrayaan-3, ensuring successful outcomes in unforeseen circumstances.
Reflecting on Chandrayaan-2's challenges, Padhi attributes the Vikram lander's crash to an algorithmic failure, which hindered descent speed control. He emphasizes that Chandrayaan-3 effectively sidesteps such problems by implementing structural enhancements in the lander's design, guaranteeing a stable landing.
Former ISRO Chief K Sivan, who spearheaded the Chandrayaan-2 mission, echoes similar sentiments, stating, "Upon reviewing post-landing data last time, corrective actions were taken. Moreover, additional precautions were applied, bolstering weaker areas. Drawing from Chandrayaan-2's teachings, the system now boasts enhanced robustness."
Padhi acknowledges a sense of "overconfidence" during Chandrayaan-2's mission, emphasizing a shift towards resilience and adaptability in Chandrayaan-3's design philosophy. This robust configuration underscores the mission's capacity to overcome challenges.
Despite these assurances, certain experts stress the importance of vigilance in the face of Chandrayaan-3's complexity. Space strategist P K Ghosh warns against complacency, citing Russia's Luna-25 crash after a 47-year hiatus as a reminder of the uncertainties in space exploration. Ghosh asserts that Chandrayaan-3's proximity to the moon's elliptical orbit, just 25 km away, necessitates heightened caution.
Chandrayaan-3's landing date of August 23 remains anticipated as a significant milestone, backed by ISRO's meticulous preparations. The mission underscores the intricate nature of space endeavors, urging an unwavering commitment to precision and safety.
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