Chandrayaan-3 is a planned third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and it has several special features and objectives:
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Lander and Rover Configuration: Chandrayaan-3 will consist of a lander and a rover, similar to its predecessor Chandrayaan-2. The lander for Chandrayaan-3 will have only four throttle-able engines, unlike the five engines on Vikram, the lander for Chandrayaan-2.
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Propulsion Module as a Communications Relay Satellite: The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 will behave like a communications relay satellite, carrying the lander and rover configuration until the spacecraft is in a 100km lunar orbit.
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End-to-End Capability in Safe Landing and Roving: The main objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, building upon the achievements of Chandrayaan-2.
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Focus on the Lunar South Pole: Chandrayaan-3 is aimed at the lunar south pole, a region with water ice or frozen water. This focus on the south pole is significant because the presence of water ice could have implications for future human missions to the Moon.
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Rocker Bogie Wheel Mechanism: The rover of Chandrayaan-3 has a special wheel mechanism called a rocker bogie, which means that all its wheels dont move together. This mechanism helps the rover navigate uneven terrain and obstacles on the lunar surface.
