Has Chandrayaan 2 Failed or Crashed? An Analysis of ISRO's Moon Mission

Tragically, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lost contact with the Chandrayaan 2 lander, Vikram, on its descent to the lunar surface. As a result, the mission faced a setback. However, it's crucial to remember that space exploration is a complex endeavor, and such setbacks are normal. ISRO's efforts in the Chandrayaan 2 mission have been commendable, with valuable data still to be gathered from the orbiter. This article delves into the specifics of the mission, the potential reasons for the failure, and the outcomes of the Chandrayaan 2 mission.

The Chandrayaan 2 Mission and Its Stages

Chandrayaan 2, launched on July 22, 2019, was a composite mission comprising an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyaan). The primary objective of the lander was to make a soft landing on the moon's surface, followed by the release of the rover for further exploration. Unfortunately, the lander encountered technical issues during the powered descent, resulting in a hard landing and loss of communication.

Technical Analysis and Potential Failures

ISRO's chairman, Dr. S. Somnath, provided insights into the technical aspects of the mission, highlighting three areas of potential failure:

Failure-Based Design: Instead of a success-based design, ISRO opted for a failure-based design. They focused on identifying and protecting against various failure scenarios, such as sensor failure, engine failure, algorithm failure, and calculation failure. This approach involved extensive testing and simulation to ensure a successful landing. New Test Beds and Infrastructure: ISRO conducted new test beds for simulations to assess potential failure scenarios in real-time. These tests helped prepare the team to handle unexpected situations, ensuring that critical systems could adapt and compensate. Additional Solar Panels: To enhance the lander's power generation capability, additional solar panels were installed on various surfaces. This ensured that the lander could generate power regardless of its landing orientation.

Partial Success and Ongoing Contributions

Despite the failure of the lander, the orbiter continues to function successfully. The orbiter was designed to operate for at least one year, but with the successful extension of support from gravitational assists, it can now operate for up to seven years. This extended operational period allows for the collection of valuable data about the lunar surface and environment.

Video Evidence and Further Insights

NDTV news reported that NASA captured video evidence of Vikram's descent, which provides additional insights into the sequence of events during the powered descent. The video shows how Vikram lost control and descended uncontrollably, leading to a hard landing and the loss of communication.

Conclusion

While the Chandrayaan 2 mission did encounter a setback, it is crucial to acknowledge the accomplishments and ongoing contributions of ISRO. The orbiter's continued operation allows for valuable data collection, and ISRO's efforts in addressing potential failure scenarios will undoubtedly contribute to future missions. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of space, setbacks are inevitable, but they are also an integral part of the learning process.