The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be creating artificial Moon craters in Ullarthi Kavalu, Challakere, around 215 km away from Bengaluru, reported Times of India. The space organisation is looking to launch Chandrayaan-3 next year.?
The report quoted a source as saying, ¡°We¡¯ve already called for tenders and the process of identifying a firm for all the civil works will be complete by month end, or early September. The craters will be created in our Challakere campus". He added that it would cost at least Rs 24.2 lakh.??
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Another source added that the craters will be 10 metres in diameter and three metres deep. Craters are supposed to simulate the lunar surface on which Chandrayaan-3 lander would land.
A scientist said, ¡°The lander¡¯s sensors will undergo a crucial test ¡ª Lander Sensor Performance Test (LSPT) ¡ª which will involve us flying the sensors on an aircraft over the artificial lunar site and see how efficient they are in guiding the lander".
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ISRO had created similar craters for Chandrayaan-2. However, since they are created on an open land the quality has deteriorated creating the need for creation of fresh craters.?
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This next lunar mission will be highly autonomous just like the last one, which means it will be pre-programmed. It will use multiple sensors which include those designed to help the lander assess its height from the landing spot, decide velocity and keep the craft away from boulders and uneven surface.?