The Chandrayaan-3 Rover's Research can Revolutionise Future Space Exploration

The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14, 2023, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. On August 23, 2023, the mission successfully completed a gentle lunar landing on the moon. The nation is the first to set foot on the lunar south pole. Chandrayaan-3 will search water-based ice in portions of the moon's surface that have never been explored before, possibly revolutionising space research and giving us an incredibly interesting insight into the history of the solar system. The mission's accomplishment has placed India among the top four technologically advanced space nations and opened the door to significant international partnerships and collaborations, analogous to the recently signed Artemis Accord between ISRO and NASA.

With the aim of researching and showcasing new technology necessary for interplanetary missions, Chandrayaan-3 is made up of an indigenous Lander Module (LM), a Propulsion Module (PM), and a Rover. The Lander will be able to soft-land at a chosen location on the moon and release the Rover, which will conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface while it is moving. There are scientific payloads on the Lander and the Rover that will conduct lunar surface tests. 

The search for water-based ice, which could one day enable human habitation on the Moon, is one of the mission's main objectives. Additionally, it might be used to refuel spaceships travelling to Mars and other far-off planets. There is a sizable surface region that remains permanently under darkness, according to scientists, and it may contain water ice stores. Both the lander and the rover are equipped with five scientific equipment that will assist researchers in learning more about the Moon's surface's tectonic activity, atmosphere, and physical properties. The rover is flying with the Indian flag and its wheels have the ISRO logo engraved on them so as to leave marks on the lunar surface as the rover walks on the moon.

According to analysts, ISRO's astounding achievement has created new opportunities for start-ups and businesses operating in industries like space technology, aerospace, military, and research and development. The accomplishment will undoubtedly increase government spending on space research in the future, but it will also increase private investment in related industries, which will ultimately support economic growth. India hopes to gain collective knowledge and broaden the scope of scientific research during the mission by combining forces with other space agencies. Such partnerships show India's dedication to international space exploration and research initiatives.  

India's space-tech industry today has the potential to add thousands of employment opportunities to the Indian economy, including both blue and white-collar positions. The Chandrayaan-3 mission will not only create jobs but also provide Indian entrepreneurs and established businesses access to new markets in the space industry. The mission's accomplishment will also imminently boost India's reputation in the space league and serve as a technical demonstration for upcoming moon missions. The successful lunar mission is likely to provide each of India's 140 currently registered space-tech start-ups a huge boost. According to Mukesh Kochar, National Head of Wealth Management, AUM Capital, it may even cement India's status as a competitive satellite launcher, boosting the aerospace and defence industries. With international partners, ISRO has actively collaborated, exchanging resources, expertise, and data.  

The success of ISRO's moon mission, according to experts, will reinforce the 'Make in India' brand and promote the expansion of domestic firms engaged in the creation of satellite systems, telecommunications, and other technologies. According to experts, the success of Chandrayaan-3 would have a significant long-term impact on Indian domestic markets since it will alter how foreign investors view India's capacity for space research.

The mission has also successfully sparked the youth's scientific curiosity worldwide and ignited their love for space exploration. Chandrayaan 3's success will further motivate future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields, advancing technological and scientific advancement worldwide. The project is poised to further elevate India's presence in the field of lunar exploration thanks to its goals, technological advancements, and international partnerships. The success of Chandrayaan 3 and the priceless knowledge it will provide us about our celestial neighbour, the Moon, have been eagerly anticipated by the entire world. 

Bibliography

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India Today. (2023b, August 23). Chandrayaan-3 puts India on the Moon: What it means for country’s economy. India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/chandrayaan-3-moon-mission-isro-success-what-it-means-for-indian-economy-2425630-2023-08-23 

Pandey, G. (2023, August 23). Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon’s South Pole. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66594520