Competition for Moon Exploration Intensifies Between India and Russia

India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna-25 are intensifying their efforts to reach the unexplored south pole of the Moon, with both missions scheduled for lunar landings next week. This race not only involves an exciting competition in space but also carries substantial implications.

While Chandrayaan-3 plans to be the first to land on the Moon’s south pole, Luna-25’s fast trajectory has shed new light, experts say, as expectations mount. The proximity of their landing dates, possible overlap – 21-23. August for Luna-25 and 23-24. in August for Chandrayaan-3 – has increased global attention.

Chandrayaan-3, the third mission in India’s lunar exploration series, began its journey on July 14 this year and successfully reached lunar orbit on August 5. It will carefully adjust its orbit to prepare for an attempted soft landing within 40 days of launch.

Russia, which is making a major return to lunar exploration, the first since the iconic Soviet-era Luna-24 mission in 1976 nearly five decades ago, launched Luna-25 on August 10. It will take a more direct route to the Moon, allowing it to try to land as early as August 21, about 11 days.

The fast journey is due to the mission’s light structure and efficient fuel storage, which enables a shorter journey to its destination.

“Does competition matter? In the grand scale of cosmic research, arrival order may not significantly change the lunar landscape. Still, the information gained from each mission enriches our understanding of the Moon’s past and potential. The value is in the sum of our collective efforts,” Chrisphin Karthick, a researcher at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore, told PTI.

A key factor in the different arrival times of the two missions is their mass and fuel efficiency. Luna-25’s takeoff mass is only 1,750 kg lighter, which is significantly lighter than Chandrayaan-3’s 3,800 kg. According to the Indian space agency ISRO, this reduced mass allows Luna-25 to accelerate more efficiently.

Additionally, Luna-25’s extra fuel storage removes fuel efficiency concerns, allowing it to take a more direct route, explained former ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan. In contrast, Chandrayaan-3’s fuel-carrying capacity limitations required a more circuitous route to the Moon.

The spacecraft’s orbit was gradually increased through several maneuvers before it flew toward the Moon, culminating in its lunar orbit nearly 22 days after launch.

A crucial factor affecting the timing of these spacecraft landings is the sun’s path across the sky, the researchers said. The sun must rise above the points where these sensors have landed.

“I am happy to see Russia also embarking on a Moon mission. Global participation in space exploration strengthens the human spirit of curiosity and discovery,” Sivan told PTI.

“The goal of both missions is to touch the moon’s south pole. While the order of arrival does not significantly affect the mission’s results, it strengthens the collective commitment to explore new frontiers,” he added.

According to him, the lunar landscape is unique and brings with it different challenges. The success of the mission does not depend only on the order of landing.

“Moon exploration requires greater thrust and advanced technologies, each contributing to overall success,” Sivan said.

“Payload considerations are key to mission design. Exploration of the South Pole of the Moon requires precision, efficiency and adaptability. India’s mission demonstrates our dedication to achieving the highest thrust values, which is a testament to our technical prowess,” he said.

At a time of heightened global interest in space exploration, India and Russia stand on the precipice of historic achievement, with both countries shaping humanity’s quest to unlock the secrets of Earth’s celestial neighbor.

As the world watches, both missions are expected to provide groundbreaking insights into the Moon’s composition, history and potential as a resource-rich body.

Pointing out that healthy competition is a catalyst for growth, Karthick said the race to the moon’s south pole fosters a dynamic environment where nations can learn from each other’s achievements and setbacks.

“This competition ignites the spirit of innovation and forces us to improve our spaceflight capabilities together.”

“We are moving forward following our timeline. Our approach is based on sound physics which is in line with our financial reality. While cost effectiveness is a consideration, it does not stop us from reaching for the stars. Our goal is to achieve our nation’s aspirations while adhering to responsible resource management,” Karthick added.

The South Pole of the Moon is of particular interest because of its potential water resources and unique geological features. The relatively unexplored region is central to future lunar missions, including NASA’s upcoming Artemis-III mission, which aims to take humans to the moon after a five-decade hiatus.

“The uncharted terrain of the Moon’s south pole entices us with the promise of unlocking deeper insights into our celestial neighbor. Our mission to the Moon is a testament to our determination to explore the unknown.” Karthick said.

“The South Pole of the Moon offers a treasure trove of scientific opportunities. Exploring this region will provide valuable insights that will help understand the Moon’s history and evolution,” he added.

Experts say the findings from these missions will not only enrich our understanding of the lunar environment, but also pave the way for future lunar exploration efforts.

“Through these missions, we gain new technical capabilities that expand our expertise in space exploration. Each mission has the potential for groundbreaking scientific experiments that expand our understanding of the mysteries of the Moon.” Sivan said.