3013) Chandrayaan-3 Mission, ISRO India, Karnataka: Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post has issued a Special Cover (SC) from its Bengaluru Post Office: Date of Special Cover issue: 23.08.2023:
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover with an objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for Inter planetary missions:
It consists of a Lander and Rover configuration.
It was launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
The propulsion module carried the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit.
The propulsion module has Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.
Lander payloads: Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature, Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring the seismicity around the landing site; Langmuir Probe (LP) to estimate the plasma density and its variations. A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is accommodated for lunar laser ranging studies.
Rover payloads: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of landing site.
The Lander had the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover which carried out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility.
The Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface.
The main function of PM was to carry the LM from launch vehicle injection till final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and separate the LM from PM.
Apart from this, the Propulsion Module also has one scientific payload as a value addition which was operated post separation of Lander Module.
The launcher identified for Chandrayaan-3 is LVM3 M4 which will place the integrated module in an Elliptic Parking Orbit (EPO) of size ~170 x 36500 km.
The mission objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are:
- To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface
- To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and
- To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
To achieve the mission objectives, several advanced technologies are present in Lander such as:
Altimeters: Laser & RF based Altimeters.
Velocimeters: Laser Doppler Velocimeter & Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera.
Inertial Measurement: Laser Gyro based Inertial referencing and Accelerometer package.
Propulsion System: 800N Throttleable Liquid Engines, 58N attitude thrusters & Throttleable Engine Control Electronics.
Navigation, Guidance & Control (NGC): Powered Descent Trajectory design and associate software elements
Hazard Detection and Avoidance: Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera and Processing Algorithm
Landing Leg Mechanism.
To demonstrate the above said advanced technologies in earth condition, several Lander special tests have been planned and carried out successfully viz.
Integrated Cold Test - For the demonstration of Integrated Sensors & Navigation performance test using helicopter as test platform
Integrated Hot test – For the demonstration of closed loop performance test with sensors, actuators and NGC using Tower crane as test platform
Lander Leg mechanism performance test on a lunar simulant test bed simulating different touch down conditions.
The overall specifications for Chandrayaan-3 is provided below:
1. Mission Life (Lander & Rover) One lunar day (~14 Earth days)
2. Landing Site (Prime) 4 km x 2.4 km 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E
3. Science Payloads:
Lander:
Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA)
Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE)
Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)
Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) Rover:
Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS)
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) Propulsion Module:
Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE)
4. Two Module Configuration:
Propulsion Module (Carries Lander from launch injection to Lunar orbit)
Lander Module (Rover was accommodated inside the Lander)
5. Mass:
Propulsion Module: 2148 kg
Lander Module: 1752 kg including Rover of 26 kg
Total: 3900 kg
6. Power generation:
Propulsion Module: 758 W
Lander Module: 738W, WS with Bias
Rover: 50W
7. Communication:
Propulsion Module: Communicates with IDSN
Lander Module: Communicates with IDSN and Rover. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter is also planned for contingency link.
Rover: Communicates only with Lander.
8. Lander Sensors:
Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP)
Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA)
Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC)
LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera)
Laser Altimeter (LASA)
Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV)
Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC)
Micro Star sensor
Inclinometer & Touchdown sensors
9. Lander Actuators Reaction wheels – 4 nos (10 Nms & 0.1 Nm)
10. Lander Propulsion System Bi-Propellant Propulsion System (MMH + MON3), 4 nos. of 800 N Throttleable engines & 8 nos. of 58 N; Throttleable Engine Control Electronics
11. Lander Mechanisms:
Lander leg
Rover Ramp (Primary & Secondary)
Rover
ILSA, Rambha & Chaste Payloads
Umbilical connector Protection Mechanism,
X- Band Antenna
12. Lander Touchdown specifications
Vertical velocity: ≤ 2 m / sec
Horizontal velocity: ≤ 0.5 m / sec
Slope: ≤ 12 deg
The objectives of scientific payloads planned on Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module and Rover are provided below:
Objectives:
1. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) Langmuir probe (LP) To measure the near surface plasma (ions and electrons) density and its changes with time
2. Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE) To carry out the measurements of thermal properties of lunar surface near polar region.
3. Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) To measure seismicity around the landing site and delineating the structure of the lunar crust and mantle.
4. LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA) It is a passive experiment to understand the dynamics of Moon system.
Rover Payloads:
Objectives:
1. LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) Qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis & To derive the chemical Composition and infer mineralogical composition to further our understanding of Lunar-surface.
2. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) To determine the elemental composition (Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca,Ti, Fe) of Lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.
Propulsion Module Payload:
Objectives:
1. Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) Future discoveries of smaller planets in reflected light would allow us to probe into variety of Exo-planets which would qualify for habitability (or for presence of life).
The Mission:
Elements
Integrated view
Components.
Lander Module
Chandrayaan 3 Lander
The various phases
The Rover
The Rover on Ramp
Chandrayaan 3 Lander - first images
A Special Cover (SC) issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post:
The Front of the Special Cover (SC) is titled - "Chandrayaan - 3" (in Hindi and English) at top left and centre. At left is an image of the Chandrayaan - 3 Rover exiting from the Moon Lander through the Ramp on the Moon's surface.
In the background of the Special Cover are seen the various phases on the Chandrayaan - 3 mission from "ignition - seperation - burning - separation - landing" (etc).
At top right is affixed a postage stamp of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) titled - "EARTH" from a set of stamps issued by India Post on the Solar System in 2018.
The Moon Lander and the Rover are depicted on the Special Cancellation Stamp with the India Flag flying alongside. "CHANDRAYAAN - 3" (in Hindi & English) is inscribed on Cancellation Stamp which is of Bengaluru Post Office and the date of cancellation is - "23.02.2023" (the day/date of the landing on the Dark side of the moon.
The Back of the Special Cover (SC) gives a brief description, (in Hindi and English) as under:
" Chandrayaan - 3 is the third Indian lunar exploration mission under the Chandrayaan programme of ISRO. It consists of a lander named "Vikram" and a rover named "Pragyan".
This Special Cover is being released to commemorate India's historic lunar mission".
The Special Cover lists/shows images of the five major phases of the mission - from Launch of Chandrayaan - 3 to the moon lander.
The logo of India Post is printed in the lower half of the Back.
The Special Cover has been approved/issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post vide its Approval number - KTK/26/2023.
Links:
More posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
1) Did you Know Series (71): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" (Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence: A set of four coins in the denominations of Rs.2, 5, 10 and 20 issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai
2) Did You Know Series (74): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" ("Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence"): A set of six coins in the denominations of Rs.5, 10 and 20 totalling Rs.75 issued by the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, together with a Special Cover issued by the Hyderabad Postal Circle of India Post
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: A Presentation Pack of Indian Postage Stamps prepared by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi comprising of : i) A First Day Cover: ii) the two Stamps of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) and iii) the Information Brochure (IB): Year of Presentation Pack issue: 2023
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: "Special Edition - 2022-2023": India Government Mint (IGM) Hyderabad has issued two Presentation Packs in Coin Cards in the denominations of Rs.20/-, Rs.10/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.2/- and Re 1/- with the AKAM logo on the Reverse: Year of Presentation Packs issue: 2023
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
1) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
2) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "WOMEN's POWER: EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
3) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: 11) "WOMEN'S POWER: CONSERVING NATIONAL HERITAGE": A SPECIAL COVER RELEASED ON 12.02.2023
4) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: DEFENDING OUR NATION": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
5) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "DIVYANG: PRIDE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 13.03.2023
6) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "PUPPETRY: INDIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
7) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "BIRSA MUNDA": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
8) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "GOVIND GURU": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
9) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS -2023 (FOXTAIL MILLETS, FINGER MILLETS, PEARL MILLETS, SORGHUM MILLETS, BARNYARD MILLETS, LITTLE MILLET"): A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
10) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "OUR FREEDOM STRUGGLE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
11) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition"), held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "NATURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
12) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "ACHIEVEMENTS AT 75 YEARS": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
13) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philatey Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "UTI ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED (UTI AMC)": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
14) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INDIA POSTS IN SERVICE OF THE NATION": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
15) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: India Post has issued a 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) postage stamp highlighting the initatives taken by the Government of India (GOA) under the programme: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 11.02.2023
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
1) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: i) "FREEDOM STRUGGLE"
2) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: ii) "IDEAS@75
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's history: iii) "RESOLVE@75"
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: Am initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: iv) "ACTIONS@75"
5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An intiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: v) "ACHIEVEMENTS@75"
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
i) "Bikaneri Bhujia", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
ii) "Makrana Marble", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iii) "Blue Pottery of Jaipur", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iv) "Thewa Art Work", Rajasthan, India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
v) "Kathputlis of Rajasthan", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers (SCs) on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vi) "Molela Clay Work & Pokran Pottery", (Rajasthan) Postal Circle of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vii) "Kota Doria", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
viii) "Sanganeri & Bagru Hand Block Print", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
Links to Special Covers issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Postal Covers/Booklet issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle (2021-2022):
Links to Special Covers issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Covers issued by Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Odisha Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the North East Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the West Bengal Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Haryana Postal Circle:
Links to posts on Special Covers issued by Kerala Postal Circle:
IPKF Operations, Sri Lanka:
Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues:
Other posts on the Indian Armed Forces on this Blog:
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
Links to Posts on Our Solar System:
1) Did You Know Series (34): World Stamp Show NY 2016, being held at Javits Centre, New York from 28.05.2016 to 04.06.2016
2) The Solar System: A set of eight Stamps of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) denomination each, depicting the eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune & Uranus, brought out by India Post on 20.03.2018
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Some posts on Banks on this Blog:
Links to posts on stamps on six Hill Forts of Rajasthan (UNESCO World Heritage Sites):
Links to some posts on the Forts of Maharashtra:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
India Post Stamps on Special Mugs:
Permanent Pictorial Cancellations:
Links to Posts on Indian Post-Cards:
Commemorative Stationeries:
Registered Post Envelopes:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2023:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2022:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2021:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2020:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2019:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2018:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2017:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2016
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2011:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2010:
List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2006:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2005:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2004:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1996:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1964:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1961:
Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:
Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:
Other Postage stamps from Thailand:
Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):
Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey:
Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:
Postage Stamps from Guernsey/Alderney Island:
Postage Stamps from Great Britain/UK:
Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:
Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post:
Postage Stamps from Romania:
Postage Stamps from Kyrgyzstan:
Postage stamps from Tokelau:
Postage stamps from Israel:
Postage Stamps from Norway:
Postage Stamps from Correos (Spanish Post):
Postage Stamps from Armenia:
International Philately Exhibitions :
Links to posts on my Alma Mater - La Martiniere College, Lucknow:
Raj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
ReplyDelete"That's awesome 👏 Was a stamp issued on Chandrayan-2?
No. But this is a special cover on Chandrayaan 3 issued by the Karnataka postal Circle as Sriharikota is in Karnataka itself. A Special Cover was issued on Chandrayaan 2 by the West Bengal Circle of India Post. I have that in my collection & on the Blog.
DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"That's awesome! "
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"That's awesome gesture 👍👍"
It is a rare postal cover, Trikha sahab. It sold out within a few hours of its listing.
Delete