Chandrayaan-2: India's first soft-landing mission onto Moon

Paper number

IAC-12,A3,2B,3,x12634

Author

Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), India

Coauthor

Dr. Alex TK, India

Coauthor

Mr. Krishnan A, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), India

Coauthor

Mr. Rama Murali G K, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), India

Year

2012

Abstract

The quest for knowledge had always 
been the main driving force for any exploration 
in general and space exploration in particular. 
With four billion years of solar system history 
preserved in it, the Moon, nearest neighbour of 
the Earth, had always evoked intense curiosity.  
After the initial euphoria in the sixties 
and seventies there had been a lull in the lunar 
exploration. In the recent times, there had been 
rejuvenation due to the possibility of certain 
distinct advantages the moon could provide, as a 
platform for future Deep Space missions and also 
the emerging possibility of certain exploration 
for the benefit of mankind, in addition to 
scientific objectives. 
India, as one among the very few space 
faring nations, has chalked out its own roadmap 
through Chandrayaan-1. Chandrayaan-2, second 
in the series, features a lander, and a rover along
with an orbiter. International cooperation has 
been the hallmark of Indian Space Programme 
since its inception. Chandrayaan-1 was one of the 
most exceptional examples of international 
collaboration towards exploring moon. In 
Chandrayaan-2, Russia and India will jointly 
participate towards fulfilling the mission goals. 
Chandrayaan-1 and other contemporary 
missions by other countries, are primarily lunar 
polar orbiters aimed at chemical and mineral 
mapping of the moon, targeting both science and 
exploration objectives.  
Mission objectives of Chandrayaan-2 are; 
\begin{itemize}\item To design, realize and deploy a Lunar Landerrover capable of Soft Landing on a specified 
lunar site to enable in-situ determination of 
chemicals, maximally using the data gathered 
during Chandrayaan-1 Mission.\end{itemize} 
\begin{itemize}\item Carry payloads in the orbiter that will enhance 
the scientific objectives of Chandrayaan-1 
with improved resolution. \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Develop and demonstrate newer technologies, 
including those needed for sample return that 
will be useful for future planetary missions 
\end{itemize}This paper presents the overall 
configuration of Chandrayaan-2 mission, 
challenges, how lessons learnt/field experience of 
Chandrayaan-1 converted into opportunities,  
different options studied, configurations worked 
out, trade-off studies made, optimization studies, 
reconfigurations of some of the Chandrayaan-1 
systems, payloads, overall mission profiles, 
project management etc. 
Chandrayaan-2 adopts a judicious choice of 
flight proven as well as technology 
demonstration elements, while ensuring a reliable 
lunar mission. The spacecraft is configured to 
meet mission specific needs required in different 
phases of the mission including payload pointing, 
data transmission and reception, storage schemes, 
power generation, distribution and management, 
autonomous operation etc.

Abstract document

IAC-12,A3,2B,3,x12634.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)