Chandrayaan -1
configuration)
configuration)
initial 500 km (311 mi), final 100 km (62 mi) initial 500 km (311 mi), final 100 km (62 mi) Periapsis
Periapsis
initial 7,500 km (4,660 mi), final 100 km (62 mi) initial 7,500 km (4,660 mi), final 100 km (62 mi) Apoapsis Apoapsis polar polar Inclination Inclination near circular near circular Eccentricity Eccentricity
Orbital Elements
Orbital Elements
523 kg (1,153 lb) 523 kg (1,153 lb) Mass Mass Chandrayaan-1 Chandrayaan-1 Home page Home page 2008-052A 2008-052A NSSDC ID NSSDC ID 2 years 2 years Mission duration Mission duration PSLV-C11 PSLV-C11 Launch vehicle Launch vehicle22 October 2008 from Sriharikota, India 22 October 2008 from Sriharikota, India Launch date Launch date Moon Moon Satellite of Satellite of Orbiter Orbiter Mission type Mission type
Indian Space Research Organization Indian Space Research Organization Organization
Introduction
Introduction
Chandrayaan-1, journey to moon is an Chandrayaan-1, journey to moon is an unmanned lunar exploration mission by the Indianunmanned lunar exploration mission by the Indian
Space Research Organization (ISRO), India's national space agency. It is also India's first Space Research Organization (ISRO), India's national space agency. It is also India's first mission to the moon. The mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. The spacecraft mission to the moon. The mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. The spacecraft was launched by a modified version of the PSLV Xl on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan was launched by a modified version of the PSLV Xl on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "Chandrayaan" roughly translates to
Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "Chandrayaan" roughly translates to "lunar- "lunar-sojourn" in many Indian languages.
sojourn" in many Indian languages.
The remote sensing satellite weighs 1,380 kilograms (3,042 The remote sensing satellite weighs 1,380 kilograms (3,042 lb) (590 kilograms (1,301 lb)lb) (590 kilograms (1,301 lb)
initial orbit mass and 504 kilograms (1,111 lb) dry mass) and carries high resolution remote initial orbit mass and 504 kilograms (1,111 lb) dry mass) and carries high resolution remote sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, soft a
sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, soft and hard X-ray frequencies. Over nd hard X-ray frequencies. Over a two-a two-year period, it is intended to survey the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its year period, it is intended to survey the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions are
chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions are of specialof special interest, as they might contain ice.
interest, as they might contain ice.
The spacecraft was successfully launched on The spacecraft was successfully launched on 22 October 2008 at 06:23 IST (00:52 UTC).22 October 2008 at 06:23 IST (00:52 UTC).
The estimated cost for the project
The estimated cost for the project is Rs.3.86 billion (US$ 80 million).is Rs.3.86 billion (US$ 80 million).
The mission includes five ISRO payloads and six payloads from other international space The mission includes five ISRO payloads and six payloads from other international space
agencies including NASA, ESA, and the Bulgarian Aerospace
Objectives
Objectives
The stated scientific objectives of the mission are: The stated scientific objectives of the mission are:
To design, develop and launch and orbit a spacecraft around the Moon using Indian To design, develop and launch and orbit a spacecraft around the Moon using Indian
made launch vehicle. made launch vehicle.
Conduct scientific experiments using instruments on-board the spacecraft which willConduct scientific experiments using instruments on-board the spacecraft which will
yield the following results: yield the following results:
To prepare a three-dimensional atlas (with To prepare a three-dimensional atlas (with high spatial and altitude resolution of 5-10high spatial and altitude resolution of 5-10
m) of both near and far side of the moon. m) of both near and far side of the moon.
To conduct chemical and mineralogical mapping of To conduct chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface forthe entire lunar surface for
distribution of mineral and chemical elements such as
distribution of mineral and chemical elements such as Magnesium, Aluminum,Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron and Titanium as well
Silicon, Calcium, Iron and Titanium as well as high atomic number elements such as high atomic number elements such asas Radon, Uranium & Thorium with high spatial resolution.
Radon, Uranium & Thorium with high spatial resolution.
To Impact a sub-satellite ( Moon Impact Probe -MIP ) on the surface To Impact a sub-satellite ( Moon Impact Probe -MIP ) on the surface on the Moon as aon the Moon as a
fore-runner to future soft landing missions. fore-runner to future soft landing missions.
Specifications
Specifications
After full integration, the Chandrayaan-1After full integration, the Chandrayaan-1
spacecraft (left) is seen being loaded into the spacecraft (left) is seen being loaded into the Thermovac Chamber (right)
Thermovac Chamber (right)
Mass
Mass
1380 kg at launch, 675 kg at lunar orbit, and 5231380 kg at launch, 675 kg at lunar orbit, and 523
kg after releasing the impactor. kg after releasing the impactor.
Dimensions
Dimensions
Cuboid in shape of approximately 1.5 mCuboid in shape of approximately 1.5 m
CommunicationsCommunications
X band, 0.7 m diameter parabolic antenna forX band, 0.7 m diameter parabolic antenna for
payload data transmission. The Telemetry, payload data transmission. The Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TTC) communication Tracking & Command (TTC) communication
operates in S band frequency. operates in S band frequency.
Power
Power
The spacecraft is mainly powered by its solar The spacecraft is mainly powered by its solar
array, which includes one solar panel covering a array, which includes one solar panel covering a total area of 2.15 x 1.8 m generating 700 W of total area of 2.15 x 1.8 m generating 700 W of power, which is stored in a 36 A·h Lithium-ion power, which is stored in a 36 A·h Lithium-ion battery.The spacecraft uses a bipropellant battery.The spacecraft uses a bipropellant
integrated propulsion system to reach lunar orbit integrated propulsion system to reach lunar orbit as well as orbit and altitude maintenance while as well as orbit and altitude maintenance while orbiting the Moon.
Specific areas of study
Specific areas of study
High-resolution mineralogical andHigh-resolution mineralogical and
chemical imaging of permanently chemical imaging of permanently
shadowed north and south polar regions. shadowed north and south polar regions.
Search for surface or sub-surface water-Search for surface or sub-surface
water-ice on the Moon, specially at lunar poles. ice on the Moon, specially at lunar poles.
Identification of chemical end members of Identification of chemical end members of
lunar high land rocks. lunar high land rocks.
Chemical stratigraphy of lunar crust byChemical stratigraphy of lunar crust by
remote sensing of central upland of large remote sensing of central upland of large lunar craters, South Pole Aitken Region lunar craters, South Pole Aitken Region (SPAR) etc., where interior material may (SPAR) etc., where interior material may be expected.
be expected.
To map the height variation of the lunar To map the height variation of the lunar
surface features along the satellite track. surface features along the satellite track.
Observation of X-ray spectrum greaterObservation of X-ray spectrum greater
than 10 keV and stereographic coverage than 10 keV and stereographic coverage of most of the Moon's surface with 5m of most of the Moon's surface with 5m resolution
resolution
To provide new insights in understanding To provide new insights in understanding
the Moon's origin and evolution. the Moon's origin and evolution.
Areas of study
Areas of study
Payloads
Payloads
1.Payloads (Indian)
1.Payloads (Indian)
The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) is a CCD camera with 5 m resolution and a The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) is a CCD camera with 5 m resolution and a
40 km swath in the panchromatic band and will be used to produce a 40 km swath in the panchromatic band and will be used to produce a
high-resolution map of the Moon. The aim of this instrument is to completely map the resolution map of the Moon. The aim of this instrument is to completely map the topography of the moon. The camera works in the visible region of the
topography of the moon. The camera works in the visible region of the
electromagnetic spectrum and captures black and white stereo images. When electromagnetic spectrum and captures black and white stereo images. When used in conjunction with data from Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), it can used in conjunction with data from Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), it can help in better understanding of the lunar gravitational field
help in better understanding of the lunar gravitational field as well. TMC is builtas well. TMC is built by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Ahmedabad TMC was successfully by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Ahmedabad TMC was successfully tested on 29 October 2008 through a
tested on 29 October 2008 through a set of commands issued from set of commands issued from ISTRAC.ISTRAC.
The Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI) will perform mineralogical mapping in the The Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI) will perform mineralogical mapping in the
400-900 nm band with a spectral resolution of
400-900 nm band with a spectral resolution of 15 nm and a spatial 15 nm and a spatial resolution of resolution of 80 m.
80 m.
The Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI) will determine the surface The Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI) will determine the surface
topography. An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (C1XS) covering 1- 10 keV with topography. An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (C1XS) covering 1- 10 keV with a ground resolution of 25 km and a Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) to detect solar a ground resolution of 25 km and a Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) to detect solar flux in the 1–10 keV range. C1XS will be used to map the abundance of Mg, Al, Si flux in the 1–10 keV range. C1XS will be used to map the abundance of Mg, Al, Si , Ca, Ti, and Fe at the surface, and will monitor the solar flux. This payload is a , Ca, Ti, and Fe at the surface, and will monitor the solar flux. This payload is a collaboration between Rutherford Appleton laboratory, U.K, ESA and
collaboration between Rutherford Appleton laboratory, U.K, ESA and ISRO.ISRO.
A High Energy X-ray/gamma ray spectrometer (HEX) for 30- 200 keVA High Energy X-ray/gamma ray spectrometer (HEX) for 30- 200 keV
measurements with ground resolution of 40 km, the HEX will measure U, Th, measurements with ground resolution of 40 km, the HEX will measure U, Th, 210Pb, 222Rn degassing, and other radioactive elements
2.Payloads (Foreign )
2.Payloads (Foreign )
SARA, The Sub-keV Atom Reflecting Analyser from SARA, The Sub-keV Atom Reflecting Analyser from the ESA will map compositionthe ESA will map composition
using low energy neutral atoms sputtered from
using low energy neutral atoms sputtered from the surface.the surface.
M3, the Moon Mineralogy Mapper from Brown University and JPL (funded by NASA) isM3, the Moon Mineralogy Mapper from Brown University and JPL (funded by NASA) is
an imaging spectrometer designed to map the
an imaging spectrometer designed to map the surface mineral composition.surface mineral composition.
SIR-2, A near infrared spectrometer from ESA, built at the Max Planck Institute forSIR-2, A near infrared spectrometer from ESA, built at the Max Planck Institute for
Solar System Research, Polish Academy of Science and University of Bergen, will also Solar System Research, Polish Academy of Science and University of Bergen, will also map the mineral composition using an infrared
map the mineral composition using an infrared grating spectrometer. The instrumentgrating spectrometer. The instrument will be similar to that of the Smart-1 SIR.
will be similar to that of the Smart-1 SIR.
MINSAR, designed, built and tested for NASA by a large team that includes the NavalMINSAR, designed, built and tested for NASA by a large team that includes the Naval
Air Warfare Center, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Sandia Air Warfare Center, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman; it is the active SAR system National Laboratories, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman; it is the active SAR system to search for lunar polar
to search for lunar polar ice. The instrument will transmit right polarised radiationice. The instrument will transmit right polarised radiation with a frequency of 2.5 GHz and will monitor the scattered left and right polarised with a frequency of 2.5 GHz and will monitor the scattered left and right polarised radiation. The Fresnel reflectivity and the circular polarisation ratio (CPR) are the key radiation. The Fresnel reflectivity and the circular polarisation ratio (CPR) are the key parameters deduced from these measurements. Ice shows the Coherent Backscatter parameters deduced from these measurements. Ice shows the Coherent Backscatter Opposition Effect which results in an enhancement of reflections and CPR, so that Opposition Effect which results in an enhancement of reflections and CPR, so that water content of the Moon polar region can be estimated.
water content of the Moon polar region can be estimated.
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The scientists considered instrumental to the success of t
The scientists considered instrumental to the success of the
he
Chandrayaan-Chandrayaan-1 project
1 project are
are
G. Madhavan Nair
G. Madhavan Nair
– Chairman, Indian Space
– Chairman, Indian Space Research
Research
Organisation
Organisation
T. K. Alex
T. K. Alex
– Director, ISAC (ISRO Sa
– Director, ISAC (ISRO Satellite Centre)
tellite Centre)
Mylswamy Annadurai
Mylswamy Annadurai
– Project director
– Project director
S. K. Shivkumar
S. K. Shivkumar
– Director - Telemetry, Tracking and
– Director - Telemetry, Tracking and
Command Network.
Command Network.
George Koshi
George Koshi
–Mission Director
–Mission Director
Srinivasa Hegde
Srinivasa Hegde
– Mission Director
– Mission Director
M Y S Prasad
M Y S Prasad
– Associate Director of the Sriharikota
– Associate Director of the Sriharikota
Complex and Range Operations Director
Complex and Range Operations Director
J N Goswami
J N Goswami
– Director of
– Director of the Ahmedabad-based Physical
the Ahmedabad-based Physical
Research Laboratory and Principal Scientific Investigator of
Research Laboratory and Principal Scientific Investigator of
Chandrayaan-1
Chandrayaan-1
Narendra Bhandari
Narendra Bhandari
– Head, ISRO`s Planetary Sciences and
– Head, ISRO`s Planetary Sciences and
Exploration program.
Exploration program.
Chandrayaan II
Chandrayaan II
The ISRO is also planning a
The ISRO is also planning a
second version of Chandrayaan
second version of Chandrayaan
named Chandrayaan II. According
named Chandrayaan II. According
to ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan
to ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan
Nair, "The Indian Space Research
Nair, "The Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) hopes to land
Organisation (ISRO) hopes to land
a motorised rover on the Moon in
a motorised rover on the Moon in
2009 or 2010, as a part of its
2009 or 2010, as a part of its
second Chandrayaan mission. The
second Chandrayaan mission. The
rover will be designed to move on
rover will be designed to move on
wheels on the lunar surface, pick
wheels on the lunar surface, pick
up samples of soil or rocks, do in
up samples of soil or rocks, do in
site chemical analysis and send
site chemical analysis and send
the data to the mother-spacecraft
the data to the mother-spacecraft
Chandrayaan II, which will be
Chandrayaan II, which will be
orbiting above. Chandrayaan II
orbiting above. Chandrayaan II
will transmit the data to Earth.“
will transmit the data to Earth.“
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According to Ben Bussey, senior
According to Ben Bussey, senior
staff scientist at the Johns Hopkins
staff scientist at the Johns Hopkins
University Applied Physics
University Applied Physics
Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland,
Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland,
Chandrayaan's imagery will be
Chandrayaan's imagery will be
used to decide the future Lunar
used to decide the future Lunar
outpost that NASA has recently
outpost that NASA has recently
announced. Bussey told
announced. Bussey told
SPACE.com, "India's
SPACE.com, "India's
Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter has a
Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter has a
good shot at further identifying
good shot at further identifying
possible water ice-laden spots
possible water ice-laden spots
with a US-provided low-power
with a US-provided low-power
imaging radar." Bussey advised —
imaging radar." Bussey advised —
one of two US experiments on the
one of two US experiments on the
Indian Moon probe. "The idea is
Indian Moon probe. "The idea is
that we find regions of interest
that we find regions of interest
with Chandrayaan-1 radar. We
with Chandrayaan-1 radar. We
would investigate those using all
would investigate those using all
the capabilities of the radar on
the capabilities of the radar on
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter", Bussey added, "a Moon
Orbiter", Bussey added, "a Moon
probe to be launched late in
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Statements
Statements
Indian President Pratibha Patil, Vice President of India Mohammad
Indian President Pratibha Patil, Vice President of India Mohammad
Hamid Ansarisent congratulatory messages to the space scientists
Hamid Ansarisent congratulatory messages to the space scientists
for the successful launch.
for the successful launch.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh sent congratulatory
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh sent congratulatory
messages to the space scientists for the
messages to the space scientists for the successful launch. and L.
successful launch. and L.
K. Advani, the leader of opposition congratulated the ISRO
K. Advani, the leader of opposition congratulated the ISRO
scientists on launch.
scientists on launch.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi, visited the ISRO
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi, visited the ISRO
centre in Ahmedabad and congratulated the Indian scientists
centre in Ahmedabad and congratulated the Indian scientists on
on
their achievement.
their achievement.
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B. S. Yeddyurappa, visited the
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B. S. Yeddyurappa, visited the
ISRO Indian Deep Space Network in Byalalu
ISRO Indian Deep Space Network in Byalalu and congratulated the
and congratulated the
Madhavan Nair and his team
Madhavan Nair and his team on their achievement.
on their achievement.
NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin congratulated Indian
NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin congratulated Indian
scientists: "Congratulations to our Indian colleagues on the
scientists: "Congratulations to our Indian colleagues on the
successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, which is
successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, which is
carrying two NASA instruments. India's first lunar missi
carrying two NASA instruments. India's first lunar mission will
on will
provide important insight."
Recent Update
Recent Update
The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC)
The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) was successfully operated on
was successfully operated on
29 October 2008 through a set o
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launch Chandrayaan-1.
launch Chandrayaan-1.
Rocketing Evolution
Rocketing Evolution
Space flight
Space flight
Chandrayaan-1 was launched on 22 October Chandrayaan-1 was launched on 22 October 2008 at 6.22 am IST from2008 at 6.22 am IST from
Satish
Satish
Dhawan Space Centre
Dhawan Space Centre
using ISRO's 44.4 metre tall fousing ISRO's 44.4 metre tall four-stage PSLV launchur-stage PSLV launch rocket. Chandrayaan will take 15 days to reach the lunar orbit. ISRO's telemetry, rocket. Chandrayaan will take 15 days to reach the lunar orbit. ISRO's telemetry,tracking and command network (ISTRAC) at Peenya in Bangalore, will be tracking and tracking and command network (ISTRAC) at Peenya in Bangalore, will be tracking and controlling Chandrayaan
controlling Chandrayaan-1 over the next two years -1 over the next two years of its life span.of its life span.
Since its launch, Chandrayaan has performed Since its launch, Chandrayaan has performed several engine burns, moving it intoseveral engine burns, moving it into
the designated geostationary transfer orbit (GTO)
the designated geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) around earth and has successfullyaround earth and has successfully communicated with base center.
communicated with base center.
Chandrayaan-1 completed four orbits around the Earth, on Chandrayaan-1 completed four orbits around the Earth, on 23 October: “The health of 23 October: “The health of
the spacecraft is normal and
the spacecraft is normal and (it is) doing fine. Spinning in (it is) doing fine. Spinning in elliptical orbit once in everyelliptical orbit once in every 6 hours and 30 minutes, it has
6 hours and 30 minutes, it has completed four orbits and is completed four orbits and is in the fifth orbit.”in the fifth orbit.”
The first orbit-raising maneuver of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft wThe first orbit-raising maneuver of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was performed atas performed at
09:00 hrs IST on 23 October
09:00 hrs IST on 23 October 2008 when the spacecraft’s 440 Newton Liquid E2008 when the spacecraft’s 440 Newton Liquid Enginengine was fired for about 18 minutes by commanding the spacecraft from Spacecraft was fired for about 18 minutes by commanding the spacecraft from Spacecraft
Control Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Control Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Peenya, Bangalore. With this engine firing, Chandrayaan-1’s apogee has
Peenya, Bangalore. With this engine firing, Chandrayaan-1’s apogee has been raisedbeen raised to 37,900 km, while its perigee has been raised a little, to 305 km. In this orbit,
to 37,900 km, while its perigee has been raised a little, to 305 km. In this orbit, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft takes about 11 hours to
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft takes about 11 hours to go round the Earth once.go round the Earth once.
The second orbit-raising manoeuvre of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was The second orbit-raising manoeuvre of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was carried out oncarried out on
25 October 2008 at 05:48 IST when
25 October 2008 at 05:48 IST when the spacecraft’s 440 Newton Liquid Engine wasthe spacecraft’s 440 Newton Liquid Engine was fired for about 16 minutes by
fired for about 16 minutes by commanding the spacecraft from Spacecraft Controlcommanding the spacecraft from Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Peenya, Bangalore. With this engine firing, Chandrayaan-1’s apogee has
Peenya, Bangalore. With this engine firing, Chandrayaan-1’s apogee has been furtherbeen further raised to 74,715 km, while its perigee has been raised to 336 km, thus completing 20 raised to 74,715 km, while its perigee has been raised to 336 km, thus completing 20
pace g
pace g
(continued)
(continued)
The third orbit-raising manoeuvre was initiated on 26 October 2008 at
The third orbit-raising manoeuvre was initiated on 26 October 2008 at
07:08 IST. The Liquid Apogee Motor was fired for about nine and a half
07:08 IST. The Liquid Apogee Motor was fired for about nine and a half
minutes. With this, Chandrayaan-1 entered a much higher elliptical orbit
minutes. With this, Chandrayaan-1 entered a much higher elliptical orbit
around the Earth. The apogee of this orbit lies at 164,600 km, instead of
around the Earth. The apogee of this orbit lies at 164,600 km, instead of
199,277 km apogee as originally announced by the Indian Space Research
199,277 km apogee as originally announced by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO), while the perigee is at 348 km. In this orbit,
Organisation (ISRO), while the perigee is at 348 km. In this orbit,
Chandrayaan-1 takes about 73 hours to go round the Earth once.
Chandrayaan-1 takes about 73 hours to go round the Earth once.
The fourth orbit-raising manoeuvre was carried out on October 29, 2008 at
The fourth orbit-raising manoeuvre was carried out on October 29, 2008 at
07:38 IST. The spacecraft's liquid engine was fired for about three minutes,
07:38 IST. The spacecraft's liquid engine was fired for about three minutes,
raising it to a more elliptical orbit whose apogee lies at 267,000 km while
raising it to a more elliptical orbit whose apogee lies at 267,000 km while
the perigee lies at 465 km. This makes its present orbit extends more than
the perigee lies at 465 km. This makes its present orbit extends more than
half the way to moon. In this orbit, the spacecraft takes about six days to
half the way to moon. In this orbit, the spacecraft takes about six days to
go round the Earth once.
Mapping Camera
Mapping Camera
Tested
Tested
The Terrain Mapping camera (TMC) on board Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft
The Terrain Mapping camera (TMC) on board Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft
was successfully operated on October 29, 2008 through a series of
was successfully operated on October 29, 2008 through a series of
commands issued from the Spacecraft Control Centre of ISRO Telemetry,
commands issued from the Spacecraft Control Centre of ISRO Telemetry,
Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore. Analysis of the
Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore. Analysis of the
first imagery received by the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at
first imagery received by the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at Byalalu
Byalalu
and later processed by Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) confirms
and later processed by Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) confirms
excellent performance of the camera.The first imagery (image 1) taken at
excellent performance of the camera.The first imagery (image 1) taken at
8:00 am IST from a height of 9,000 km shows the Northern coast of
8:00 am IST from a height of 9,000 km shows the Northern coast of
Australia while the other (image 2) taken at 12:30 pm from a height of
Australia while the other (image 2) taken at 12:30 pm from a height of
70,000 km shows Australia’s Southern Coast.
70,000 km shows Australia’s Southern Coast.
TMC is one of the eleven scientific instruments (payloads) of Chandrayaan-
TMC is one of the eleven scientific instruments (payloads) of
Chandrayaan-1. The camera can take black and white pictures of an object by recording
1. The camera can take black and white pictures of an object by recording
the visible light reflected from it. The instrument has a resolution of about
the visible light reflected from it. The instrument has a resolution of about
5 metres.
5 metres.
Besides TMC, the other four Indian payloads of Chandrayaan-1 are the
Besides TMC, the other four Indian payloads of Chandrayaan-1 are the
Hyper spectral Imager (HySI), Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), High
Hyper spectral Imager (HySI), Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), High
Energy X-ray Spectrometer (HEX) and the Moon Impact Probe (MIP). The
Energy X-ray Spectrometer (HEX) and the Moon Impact Probe (MIP). The
other six payloads of Chandrayaan-1 are from abroad.
Image-1
Image-1
The first image taken at
The first image taken at
8:00 am IST from a height
8:00 am IST from a height
of 9,000 km shows the
of 9,000 km shows the
Northern coast of Australia.
Northern coast of Australia.
Image-2
Image-2