The Chandrayaan program is India's series of lunar exploration missions conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).



 

1. Chandrayaan-1: Launched in October 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar mission. It consisted of an orbiter and an impactor called the Moon Impact Probe (MIP). Chandrayaan-1 successfully mapped the lunar surface, detected the presence of water molecules on the Moon, and provided valuable data on the Moon's topography and mineral composition. The mission operated until August 2009.

 


2. Chandrayaan-2: Launched in July 2019, Chandrayaan-2 was a more ambitious mission that aimed to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. The mission's objective was to study the south-polar region of the Moon, explore the lunar surface, and analyze its composition. Although the orbiter successfully continues to operate, the Vikram lander experienced a communication loss during the landing attempt. Despite the partial failure, Chandrayaan-2 was still considered a significant technological achievement for India's space program.

 


3. Chandrayaan-3: Chandrayaan-3 was planned as a follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2 with the aim of achieving a successful soft landing on the lunar surface. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 was to deploy a lander and a rover to explore and study the Moon's surface in greater detail. It was expected to incorporate the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2 to enhance its chances of success. 


 The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was to conduct a soft landing on the lunar surface and deploy a rover to explore the lunar terrain. The mission aimed to build upon the achievements and lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, which encountered a partial failure during its landing attempt in September 2019.


Chandrayaan-3 was expected to carry similar payloads and scientific instruments as Chandrayaan-2, including a lander, a rover, and an orbiter. These instruments would be utilized to study the lunar surface, conduct experiments, and gather valuable data to enhance our understanding of the Moon's geology, mineralogy, and overall lunar environment

 By studying the Moon, these missions contribute to our understanding of lunar geology, the origin and evolution of the Moon, and the potential for future lunar exploration and utilization.



The Chandrayaan program showcases India's growing expertise in space technology and research. It has garnered international recognition and demonstrates India's ambitions in the field of space exploration. The program has also provided opportunities for international collaboration, with scientific payloads and instruments from other countries being carried on Chandrayaan missions.

 

As the Chandrayaan program progresses, it is expected to contribute further to our knowledge of the Moon and pave the way for future lunar missions, including the potential for human exploration and resource utilization.