Chandrayaan-2 Lander Crash-landing: ISRO Chairman Reveals Three Key Reasons
Just days before the anticipated launch of Chandrayaan-3, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, has shed light on the reasons behind the crash-landing of the Vikram lander during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Somanath highlighted three primary factors that led to the unfortunate incident on September 6, 2019.
According to the Chairman, the crash-landing can be attributed to the five engines of the lander generating higher thrust, limitation of the software to detect errors, and the small landing site. Somanath explained that the lander’s five engines, designed to reduce velocity, generated unexpectedly high thrust. This led to errors accumulating over time, exceeding the anticipated levels. As a result, when the lander started to turn rapidly, the software’s capacity to handle such high rates of rotation proved limited. Furthermore, the small landing site, measuring only 500m x 500m, posed a challenge for the lander’s touchdown.
However, ISRO has thoroughly analyzed and rectified these issues for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. Somanath stated that they have provided the lander with more fuel, implemented additional safety measures, and chosen a larger landing site. This time, ISRO has access to high-resolution images of the Moon’s surface, thanks to the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter’s camera. Last time, they were dependent solely on the lander’s images. By mapping the boulders and craters in advance, ISRO now possesses a clear image of the landing site.
To ensure a successful landing, ISRO has adopted a failure-based design instead of a success-oriented one. The team assessed various failure scenarios such as sensor failure, engine failure, algorithm failure, and calculation failure. This comprehensive approach allowed them to simulate different situations and develop suitable countermeasures. ISRO also constructed new test beds to facilitate these simulations, further enhancing their ability to anticipate and address failures.
With a landing area of 4.2 km x 2.5 km along the track, the lander is no longer limited to targeting a specific point. ISRO has selected a site near the south pole, a location rarely explored by other countries. This decision allows for greater flexibility during the landing operation.
Somanath emphasized that the upcoming mission has prioritized safety and meticulous planning. They have equipped the Vikram lander with additional solar panels on different surfaces, ensuring power generation regardless of the landing conditions.
As the launch of Chandrayaan-3 approaches, ISRO remains committed to overcoming the challenges encountered during Chandrayaan-2. Their focus on failure scenarios and a comprehensive redesign aims to guarantee a successful landing and enhance India’s achievements in space exploration.
Joining the race for lunar exploration, India’s continuous efforts in the field will undoubtedly contribute to scientific advancements and further our understanding of the Moon and the universe.
