Embarking on the voyage of unraveling lunar enigmas has been a driving force in humanity’s unceasing quest for scientific illumination. Within this odyssey of lunar exploration, two remarkable missions, Lunar 25 and Chandrayaan-3, emerge as vanguards, signifying the unwavering commitment to expanding our horizons of knowledge. Executed by Russia and India respectively, these missions underscore the unrelenting human pursuit of understanding beyond the confines of our planet.
In a monumental stride toward deciphering lunar mysteries, the Lunar 25 mission, also designated Luna-Glob-Lander, set forth on its expedition on August 10, 2023. This pioneering Russian lunar lander endeavor is meticulously aimed at the enigmatic southern polar region of the Moon. With meticulous precision, Lunar 25 is driven by two primary scientific objectives that promise to unravel pivotal insights about the Moon’s elemental composition and the dynamics of its polar exosphere.
Chandrayaan-3, a testament to India’s prowess in lunar exploration, marks a milestone in the nation’s technological journey. At its core, the mission exemplifies a comprehensive capability for secure lunar landings and rover operations. This significant leap in India’s space exploration narrative encompasses a Lander and Rover configuration, painstakingly designed to navigate and scrutinize the lunar surface. Notably, Chandrayaan-3 commenced its voyage on July 14, 2023, launching from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
While both Lunar-25 and Chandrayaan-3 may share similarities in mass, their aspirations and payloads set them apart in their quest to unveil lunar enigmas. Lunar-25 boasts a liftoff weight of around 3,860 lbs (1,750 kg), a substantial portion of which is propellant, vital for its precise lunar landing and maneuvering. In contrast, the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander, weighing 3,862 lbs (1,752 kg), includes within its ensemble the 57 lbs (26 kg) Pragyan rover.
The scientific prowess of Luna-25 lies in its impressive array of eight scientific instruments, including the Lunar Manipulator Complex (LMK), tailored for excavating lunar regolith. Additionally, the Neutron and Gamma Detector (ADRON-LR) is primed to scrutinize the lunar surface for traces of water ice, a resource pivotal for future lunar endeavors.
Conversely, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander is meticulously geared to optimize its operational window on the lunar surface. Armed with four scientific payloads, one of its pivotal goals entails embedding a thermal probe into the lunar soil to a depth of approximately four inches (10 centimeters). This probe will diligently record temperature fluctuations in the lunar regolith across the lunar day, offering insights into the unique thermal characteristics of the Moon.
The accompanying Pragyan rover in the Chandrayaan-3 mission stands as a scientific powerhouse in its own right. Equipped with the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) and the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS), Pragyan is poised to conduct intricate analyses of the lunar regolith. These instruments will decipher the elemental composition of the lunar surface, unraveling invaluable insights into its geological history.
A striking feature shared by both missions is the incorporation of retroreflectors. On Vikram, a retroreflector serves as a precision instrument, reflecting light back to its source. This technology, reminiscent of the reflectors left on the Moon during the Apollo missions, serves as a high-precision tool for accurately measuring the distance between Earth and Moon. It stands as a testament to humanity’s unwavering pursuit of scientific enlightenment, transcending temporal and technological boundaries.
Significantly, these missions underscore the profound importance of international collaboration in the realm of space exploration. While such endeavors are often defined by global cooperation, geopolitical circumstances have at times influenced the trajectory of space missions. Russia’s diplomatic isolation following events in Ukraine led to the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) withdrawal from Luna-25, -26, and -27 missions. However, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to benefit from ESA’s “Estrack” network, a testament to the enduring resilience and dedication of the international space community.
Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency: General Yury Borisov