69th BPSC mains 2023 (general studies 1 ) Q6 (b): How does India’s growing status as an emerging space power align with its ambitions and achievement in space exploration, particularly in the context of the Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO? Discuss the mission’s goals and its role in India’s journey towards becoming a prominent player in the global space arena.

Q6(b) : How does India’s growing status as an emerging space power align with its ambitions and achievement in space exploration, particularly in the context of the Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO? Discuss the mission’s goals and its role in India’s journey towards becoming a prominent player in the global space arena.(38 marks)

India’s status as an emerging space power is intricately linked to its ambitions and achievements in space exploration, with the Chandrayaan-3 mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) standing as a significant milestone. This mission not only underscores India’s technological prowess but also marks a critical step towards solidifying its position in the global space arena. This essay discusses the goals of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and its implications for India’s journey towards becoming a prominent space power.

India’s Ambitions in Space Exploration

India’s space program, spearheaded by ISRO, has consistently aimed at harnessing space technology for national development while also achieving milestones that signify its growing capabilities. Key ambitions include:

1. Scientific Discovery: Advancing knowledge about the universe and our solar system.
2. Technological Innovation: Developing cutting-edge space technologies and fostering innovation.
3. National Security: Enhancing space-based capabilities for defense and security.
4. Economic Growth: Promoting space commerce and industry to drive economic benefits.
5. Global Collaboration: Participating in international space missions and partnerships.

The Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Goals of Chandrayaan-3

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is India’s third lunar exploration mission, following the successful Chandrayaan-1 and the partially successful Chandrayaan-2. The primary goals of Chandrayaan-3 are:

1. Lunar Landing: Achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, demonstrating and validating landing technology.
2. Lunar Rover Exploration: Deploy a rover to explore the lunar surface, conduct experiments, and gather data.
3. Scientific Experiments: Perform scientific experiments to study the lunar surface, its composition, and its environment.
4. Technological Demonstration: Prove the reliability and capability of ISRO’s technologies for future interplanetary missions.

Key Components

Chandrayaan-3 comprises a lander and a rover, but unlike Chandrayaan-2, it does not include an orbiter, as the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is still operational and can support the mission.

1. Lander: Designed to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, equipped with scientific instruments to study the lunar environment.
2. Rover: Designed to traverse the lunar surface, equipped with instruments to analyze the lunar soil and rocks.

Role of Chandrayaan-3 in India’s Space Journey

Technological Advancement

• Landing Technology: Successful deployment of Chandrayaan-3 would demonstrate India’s capability in soft-landing technology, crucial for future missions, including those to Mars and other celestial bodies.
• Rover Mobility: The ability to operate a rover on the lunar surface highlights advancements in robotics and remote operations, contributing to the development of autonomous systems.

Scientific Contribution

• Lunar Science: Data collected by the rover and lander would contribute to global scientific understanding of the Moon, including its composition, geology, and potential for future human habitation.
• Resource Identification: Identifying resources such as water ice, minerals, and other materials could pave the way for future utilization of lunar resources.

Economic and Commercial Implications

• Space Economy: Success in lunar missions enhances ISRO’s reputation, attracting international clients for satellite launches and collaborations, thereby boosting India’s space economy.
• Technological Spin-offs: Technologies developed for Chandrayaan-3 can have applications in other sectors, promoting innovation and economic growth.

Geopolitical Significance

• Strategic Positioning: Demonstrating advanced space capabilities places India among the leading spacefaring nations, strengthening its geopolitical influence.
• International Collaboration: Success in complex missions like Chandrayaan-3 can lead to greater opportunities for collaboration with other space agencies, fostering diplomatic and scientific partnerships.

Inspiration and National Pride

• Educational Impact: High-profile missions like Chandrayaan-3 inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• National Pride: Achievements in space exploration foster a sense of pride and unity, showcasing India’s scientific and technological capabilities on the world stage.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Challenges

• Technical Risks: Lunar missions involve significant technical risks, including precise landing maneuvers and rover operations in a harsh lunar environment.
• Resource Constraints: Balancing budgetary constraints with ambitious mission goals requires careful planning and efficient use of resources.

Future Prospects

• Human Spaceflight: Building on the success of robotic missions, ISRO aims to launch its human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, further cementing India’s status as a major space power.
• Interplanetary Missions: Future missions to Mars, asteroids, and other celestial bodies are planned, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in deep space exploration.
• International Collaboration: Enhanced collaboration with space agencies like NASA, ESA, and others can lead to joint missions and shared technological advancements.

Conclusion

The Chandrayaan-3 mission represents a significant leap forward in India’s space exploration journey. By aiming for a successful soft landing on the Moon and subsequent scientific exploration, India not only demonstrates its technological prowess but also its commitment to contributing to global scientific knowledge. The mission aligns with India’s broader ambitions of becoming a prominent player in the global space arena, fostering economic growth, enhancing national security, and inspiring future generations. As India continues to achieve milestones in space exploration, it strengthens its position as a leading space power, embodying the spirit of innovation, resilience, and international collaboration.