What are the scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan-1?

Asked 10-Nov-2021
Updated 24-May-2023
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Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar mission launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on October 22, 2008, with the primary objective of exploring the Moon's surface and conducting scientific experiments. The spacecraft was equipped with several scientific instruments to gather data and study various aspects of the Moon.

Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC): The TMC was designed to capture images of the lunar surface with a resolution of about 5 meters. It provided valuable information about the topography and geological features of the Moon.

What are the scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan1

Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI): The HySI instrument was used to analyze the mineral composition of the Moon's surface. It captured images in different wavelengths, allowing scientists to identify specific minerals and gain insights into the Moon's geology.

Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI): The LLRI was employed to measure the distance between the spacecraft and the lunar surface using laser beams. This data helped in understanding the gravitational field of the Moon and its variations.

Moon Impact Probe (MIP): The MIP was a small impactor that separated from the main spacecraft and made a controlled crash landing on the lunar surface. It carried instruments like a radar altimeter, a video imaging system, and a mass spectrometer to study the Moon's atmosphere and surface characteristics at the point of impact.

Sub-Kiloelectronvolt Atom Reflecting Analyzer (SARA): SARA was a Swedish instrument that aimed to study the Moon's exosphere—the tenuous outermost layer of its atmosphere. It analyzed the interaction between the solar wind and the lunar surface, providing insights into the Moon's space environment.

Chandrayaan-1 Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (C1XS): C1XS was an X-ray spectrometer provided by the United Kingdom. It detected and analyzed X-rays emitted from the lunar surface, helping scientists understand the distribution of elements and minerals on the Moon.

Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM): RADOM measured the radiation levels in the lunar environment. It provided valuable data on the radiation hazards that future astronauts might face during long-duration missions to the Moon.

Mini Synthetic Aperture Radar (Mini-SAR): The Mini-SAR instrument was developed by NASA and aimed to detect and map water ice deposits on the Moon's poles. It used radar signals to penetrate below the surface and identify potential ice deposits.

These scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan-1 played a crucial role in expanding our knowledge of the Moon's surface, mineral composition, exosphere, and radiation environment. The data and insights obtained from this mission have contributed significantly to our understanding of the Moon's geology, its potential resources, and its relevance to future lunar exploration missions. Chandrayaan-1 paved the way for subsequent lunar missions and highlighted India's capabilities in space exploration and scientific research.