Chandrayaan-5 Mission And India’s Second Spaceport

•Source: TOI*

Context: ISRO Chief V. Narayanan announced the Centre’s approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, advancing India’s lunar exploration goals.

• He also confirmed that India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, will see its first SSLV launch in 2027.

About Chandrayaan-5:

• What is Chandrayaan-5?

• Chandrayaan-5 is India’s upcoming lunar mission aimed at deploying a 350 kg rover on the Moon.

• Nations Involved:

• The mission is part of a collaborative venture between India and Japan, enhancing space research partnerships.

• To deploy a larger lander and rover with the goal of collecting extensive lunar data. Strengthen technologies necessary for potential human landing missions by 2040.

• To deploy a larger lander and rover with the goal of collecting extensive lunar data.

• Strengthen technologies necessary for potential human landing missions by 2040.

• Key Features:

• 350 kg advanced rover for detailed lunar exploration. Features a high-capacity lander suitable for future crewed missions. Supports sample return missions and technology demonstration for safe landings. Follows the success trajectory of Chandrayaan-3 and builds upon Chandrayaan-4 sample collection goals.

• 350 kg advanced rover for detailed lunar exploration.

• Features a high-capacity lander suitable for future crewed missions.

• Supports sample return missions and technology demonstration for safe landings.

• Follows the success trajectory of Chandrayaan-3 and builds upon Chandrayaan-4 sample collection goals.

About India’s Second Spaceport:

• Location: Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.

• To support launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) and strengthen India’s presence in the global small satellite market. Reduce dependence on Sriharikota and facilitate direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean.

• To support launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) and strengthen India’s presence in the global small satellite market.

• Reduce dependence on Sriharikota and facilitate direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean.

• Key Features:

• Spread across 2,350 acres. Equipped with 35 major facilities, including: Dedicated launchpad, Rocket integration facilities, Ground range and checkout facilities and Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) integrated with advanced checkout systems. Launch capacity of 24 satellites annually using SSLVs. Strategic location minimizes fuel consumption and avoids overflight of landmasses.

• Spread across 2,350 acres.

• Equipped with 35 major facilities, including: Dedicated launchpad, Rocket integration facilities, Ground range and checkout facilities and Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) integrated with advanced checkout systems.

• Launch capacity of 24 satellites annually using SSLVs.

• Strategic location minimizes fuel consumption and avoids overflight of landmasses.