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Study Guide: India's Chandrayaan Lunar Exploration Programme: Missions, Discoveries, and Future Trajectories

Cheat Sheet:
India's Chandrayaan Lunar Exploration Programme: Missions, Discoveries, and Future Trajectories Study Guide

Program Overview and Early Development

The Chandrayaan programme is exclusively focused on deploying lunar orbiters for remote sensing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan programme encompasses a variety of uncrewed vehicles, including orbiters, impactors, soft landers, and rovers, designed for comprehensive lunar exploration beyond just remote sensing.

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The name 'Chandrayaan' translates to 'Star Craft' in Sanskrit.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Sanskrit, 'Chandrayaan' is derived from 'Candra' (Moon) and 'Yāna' (Craft or Vehicle), thus translating to 'Moon Craft' or 'Moon Vehicle'.

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ISRO initially intended to undertake sophisticated extraterrestrial missions like human spaceflight from its inception.

Answer: False

Explanation: During its formative years, the Indian space programme, including ISRO, initially focused on developing foundational capabilities such as satellites and orbital launch vehicles, rather than sophisticated extraterrestrial missions like human spaceflight.

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The idea for India's first Moon mission was first raised in 1999 by the Indian Academy of Sciences.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept for India's inaugural extraterrestrial mission to the Moon was indeed first proposed in 1999 during a meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences.

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What is the primary purpose of the Chandrayaan programme?

Answer: To explore the Moon's surface, exosphere, minerals, and water ice using uncrewed missions.

Explanation: The Chandrayaan programme's primary purpose is the comprehensive exploration of the Moon, focusing on its surface, exosphere, mineralogy, and water ice, through a series of uncrewed missions.

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Which organization is responsible for the Chandrayaan programme?

Answer: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India and is solely responsible for the Chandrayaan programme.

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When was the idea for India's first extraterrestrial mission to the Moon initially raised?

Answer: 1999

Explanation: The idea for India's first extraterrestrial mission to the Moon was initially proposed in 1999 during a meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences.

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Chandrayaan-1: Objectives and Discoveries

The Chandrayaan-1 project was officially announced by then-Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 project was officially announced on August 15, 2003, by the then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, not Narendra Modi.

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The initial estimated cost for the Chandrayaan-1 project was ₹41 million (US$350 crore).

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial estimated cost for the Chandrayaan-1 project was ₹350 crore, which was equivalent to US$41 million, not the other way around.

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President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam advised ISRO to include an impact probe in the Chandrayaan-1 mission.

Answer: True

Explanation: Then-President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam indeed recommended that ISRO incorporate an additional instrument designed to impact the lunar surface, leading to the inclusion of the Moon Impact Probe (MIP).

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The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) of Chandrayaan-1 was designed to acquire close-range images and collect telemetry data for future soft landing missions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was specifically designed to acquire close-range images of the lunar surface and collect telemetry data, which was vital for informing future soft landing mission designs.

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Chandrayaan-1 was launched on October 22, 2008, and entered lunar orbit on November 10, 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 was successfully launched on October 22, 2008, and achieved lunar orbit on November 10, 2008, as stated in the mission timeline.

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The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) of Chandrayaan-1 impacted near the Tycho crater in the lunar south pole region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) impacted near the Shackleton crater in the lunar south pole region, not the Tycho crater.

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Chandrayaan-1's mission was terminated early due to a fuel shortage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 mission was terminated prematurely due to an overheating problem that damaged the star sensors, not a fuel shortage.

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Who officially announced the Chandrayaan-1 project on August 15, 2003?

Answer: Then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 project was formally announced on August 15, 2003, by the then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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What was the initial estimated cost of the Chandrayaan-1 project?

Answer: ₹350 crore (US$41 million)

Explanation: The initial estimated cost for the Chandrayaan-1 project was ₹350 crore, which was equivalent to US$41 million.

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When did Chandrayaan-1 successfully enter lunar orbit?

Answer: November 10, 2008

Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 successfully entered lunar orbit on November 10, 2008, following its launch on October 22, 2008.

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Where did the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) of Chandrayaan-1 impact the lunar surface?

Answer: Near the Shackleton crater in the lunar south pole region

Explanation: The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) impacted the lunar surface near the Shackleton crater, located in the lunar south pole region.

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What caused the early termination of the Chandrayaan-1 mission?

Answer: An overheating problem that damaged the star sensors

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 mission was prematurely terminated due to an overheating problem that resulted in damage to the star sensors, leading to a loss of contact with the orbiter.

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Which two scientific instruments on Chandrayaan-1 were the first to be activated after achieving lunar orbit?

Answer: Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) and Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM)

Explanation: Upon achieving lunar orbit, the Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) and the Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM) were the first two scientific payloads of Chandrayaan-1 to be activated.

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Chandrayaan-2: Design, Launch, and Challenges

Russia withdrew from the Chandrayaan-2 collaboration due to a change in its space exploration priorities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Russia withdrew from the Chandrayaan-2 collaboration primarily due to technical issues identified after the failure of its Fobos-Grunt mission, which used similar components, rather than a change in space exploration priorities.

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The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft's design changes in 2018 included removing the fifth engine from the lander.

Answer: False

Explanation: The design changes for the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft in 2018 actually involved *adding* a fifth engine to the lander, among other modifications.

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The Chandrayaan-2 lander, Vikram, successfully soft-landed on the Moon on September 6, 2019.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lander, Vikram, was lost on September 6, 2019, after it crash-landed approximately 2.1 km above the lunar surface, indicating an unsuccessful soft landing.

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One of the primary reasons for the Chandrayaan-2 lander's failure was the small 500x500 meter landing site, which left little room for error.

Answer: True

Explanation: ISRO chairman S. Somanath cited the small 500x500 meter landing site, which offered minimal margin for error, as one of the major contributing factors to the Chandrayaan-2 lander's failure.

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The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's mission duration was extended to seven and a half years and is expected to operate until 2026.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's mission duration was indeed extended from one year to seven and a half years, with operations anticipated to continue until 2026.

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Why did Russia withdraw from the Chandrayaan-2 collaboration?

Answer: Technical issues revealed by the failure of its Fobos-Grunt mission

Explanation: Russia's withdrawal from the Chandrayaan-2 collaboration was primarily due to technical issues that emerged from the failure of its Fobos-Grunt mission, which utilized similar lander components.

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What significant design change was made to the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft in 2018 regarding its engines?

Answer: The addition of a fifth engine to the lander.

Explanation: In 2018, a significant design modification to the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft involved the addition of a fifth engine to the lander, among other enhancements.

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When was contact lost with the Chandrayaan-2 lander, Vikram, during its lunar descent?

Answer: September 6, 2019

Explanation: Contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lander, Vikram, was lost on September 6, 2019, during its final descent phase to the lunar surface.

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According to ISRO chairman S. Somanath, which of the following was a primary reason for the Chandrayaan-2 lander's failure?

Answer: Higher thrust from its five engines causing error accumulation

Explanation: ISRO chairman S. Somanath identified higher thrust from the lander's five engines, leading to error accumulation, as a primary reason for the Chandrayaan-2 lander's failure.

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What is the spatial resolution of the Orbiter High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) on Chandrayaan-2?

Answer: 25 cm (9.8 inches)

Explanation: The Orbiter High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) on Chandrayaan-2 possesses a spatial resolution of 25 cm (9.8 inches), making it a highly advanced instrument for lunar imaging.

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What is the current operational status and extended mission duration of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter?

Answer: Its mission was extended to seven and a half years and is expected to operate until 2026.

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's mission was extended to seven and a half years, and it is projected to remain operational until 2026, continuing its scientific observations.

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Chandrayaan-3: Successful Landing and Experiments

P Veeramuthuvel was appointed as the director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Answer: True

Explanation: P Veeramuthuvel was officially appointed as the director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on December 19, 2019.

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The total estimated cost of the Chandrayaan-3 project was lower than Chandrayaan-1's initial estimate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The total estimated cost for Chandrayaan-3 was ₹615 crore (US$73 million), which is higher than Chandrayaan-1's initial estimated cost of ₹350 crore (US$41 million).

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A key design modification in the Chandrayaan-3 lander was the re-introduction of a centrally mounted fifth engine for increased thrust.

Answer: False

Explanation: A key design modification for the Chandrayaan-3 lander involved the *removal* of the centrally mounted fifth engine, which had caused thrust issues in Chandrayaan-2, leaving it with four main engines.

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The launch of Chandrayaan-3 was delayed from early 2021 primarily due to budget constraints.

Answer: False

Explanation: The launch of Chandrayaan-3 was delayed from early 2021 primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, along with additional design changes and extensive testing, not budget constraints.

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The Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander successfully soft-landed in the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 achieved a successful soft landing in the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023, marking a significant milestone.

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The Pragyan rover was deployed from the Vikram lander and drove 8 meters on the lunar surface immediately after Chandrayaan-3's successful landing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Immediately following the touchdown on August 23, 2023, the Pragyan rover was deployed from the Vikram lander and commenced its traverse, driving 8 meters on the lunar surface.

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The Vikram lander conducted a 'hop experiment' on September 3, 2023, to test its ability to collect lunar samples.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Vikram lander's 'hop experiment' on September 3, 2023, demonstrated vertical take-off and landing capabilities, with the data collected aiding future sample return missions, but its immediate purpose was not to collect samples.

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The Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module's primary function was to conduct extensive scientific observations of the Moon.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary function of the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module was to transport the Vikram lander to the Moon, as the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter was already operational for lunar scientific observations.

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The Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module carried the SHAPE payload to study the lunar exosphere.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module carried the SHAPE payload to study Earth's atmosphere from a lunar orbital perspective, not the lunar exosphere.

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The Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover had its ISRO logo replaced with the Emblem of India on its wheels.

Answer: True

Explanation: A specific modification to the Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover involved replacing the ISRO logo with the Emblem of India on its wheels, ensuring these symbols would be imprinted on the lunar surface.

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The Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover was put into 'sleep mode' because its batteries ran out of charge.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover was put into 'sleep mode' due to the approaching lunar night and its reliance on solar power, not because its batteries had run out of charge.

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The Chandrayaan-3 lander's landing area was expanded to 4 km x 2.5 km from the previous 500 m x 500 m site.

Answer: True

Explanation: The landing area for Chandrayaan-3 was indeed significantly expanded to 4 km x 2.5 km, a considerable increase from the 500 m x 500 m site of its predecessor.

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Who was appointed as the director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?

Answer: P Veeramuthuvel

Explanation: P Veeramuthuvel was appointed as the director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on December 19, 2019.

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What was the total estimated cost of the Chandrayaan-3 project?

Answer: ₹615 crore (US$73 million)

Explanation: The total estimated cost for the Chandrayaan-3 project amounted to ₹615 crore, equivalent to US$73 million.

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What was a key design modification made to the Chandrayaan-3 lander regarding its engines?

Answer: The removal of the centrally mounted fifth engine.

Explanation: A key design modification for the Chandrayaan-3 lander involved the removal of the centrally mounted fifth engine, a change implemented to address issues encountered in the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

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When did the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander successfully soft land in the lunar south pole region?

Answer: August 23, 2023

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander achieved a successful soft landing in the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023.

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What was the immediate action of the Pragyan rover after Chandrayaan-3's successful landing?

Answer: It was deployed from the Vikram lander and drove 8 meters on the lunar surface.

Explanation: Immediately following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing, the Pragyan rover was deployed from the Vikram lander and commenced its traverse, driving 8 meters on the lunar surface.

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What unique experiment did the Vikram lander conduct on September 3, 2023?

Answer: A 'hop experiment' demonstrating vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

Explanation: On September 3, 2023, the Vikram lander performed a unique 'hop experiment,' demonstrating its vertical take-off and landing capabilities on the lunar surface.

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What was the primary function of the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module (PM)?

Answer: To carry the Vikram lander to the Moon.

Explanation: The primary function of the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module (PM) was to transport the Vikram lander to the Moon, leveraging the existing Chandrayaan-2 orbiter for scientific observations.

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What specific payload did the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module carry, and what was its scientific purpose?

Answer: SHAPE payload to study Earth's atmosphere for exoplanet research.

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module carried the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, designed to study Earth's atmosphere from a distance, with implications for exoplanet research.

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How was the landing area for Chandrayaan-3 expanded compared to Chandrayaan-2?

Answer: It was expanded to 4 km x 2.5 km from the previous 500 m x 500 m site.

Explanation: The landing area for Chandrayaan-3 was significantly expanded to 4 km x 2.5 km, a substantial increase from the 500 m x 500 m site used for Chandrayaan-2.

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What was the fate of the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module after separating from the lander?

Answer: It was moved from lunar orbit to an orbit around Earth to continue its SHAPE payload operations.

Explanation: After separating from the lander, the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module was maneuvered from lunar orbit to an orbit around Earth to continue its SHAPE payload operations for Earth observation.

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What changes were made to the Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover compared to its predecessor?

Answer: ISRO's logo was replaced with the Emblem of India on its wheels.

Explanation: The only change made to the Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover compared to its predecessor was the replacement of ISRO's logo with the Emblem of India on its wheels.

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When was the Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover put into 'sleep mode'?

Answer: September 3, 2023

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover was transitioned into 'sleep mode' on September 3, 2023, in preparation for the lunar night, as it relies on solar power.

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Key Scientific Findings and Lunar Geology

The most significant discovery by Chandrayaan-1's Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was confirming the existence of methane on the Moon.

Answer: False

Explanation: The most significant discovery made by the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was the confirmation of the existence of water on the Moon, not methane.

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The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) on Chandrayaan-1 discovered a large lava tube near the lunar equator.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) aboard Chandrayaan-1 indeed discovered a significant lava tube in the Oceanus Procellarum region near the lunar equator.

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Lunar lava tubes are considered important for future human exploration because they contain abundant water ice.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lunar lava tubes are considered important for future human exploration primarily because they offer natural protection from cosmic radiation, solar radiation, meteorites, and extreme temperature variations, not necessarily due to abundant water ice within them.

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The Moon Impact Probe's (MIP) CHACE mass spectrometer detected water by observing absorption features in the 1.0-2.5 µm wavelength region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Moon Impact Probe's (MIP) CHACE mass spectrometer detected water by identifying H2O+ ions and their fragments in the lunar exosphere. The observation of absorption features in the 1.0-2.5 µm wavelength region was a method used by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), not CHACE.

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What was the most significant discovery made by the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) on Chandrayaan-1?

Answer: Confirmation of the existence of water on the Moon

Explanation: The most significant discovery attributed to the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was the confirmation of the existence of water on the Moon.

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Why are lunar lava tubes considered important for future human exploration?

Answer: They provide natural protection from cosmic radiation and extreme temperatures.

Explanation: Lunar lava tubes are considered significant for future human exploration because they offer natural shielding from cosmic and solar radiation, meteorites, and provide insulation from the Moon's extreme temperature variations.

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What was the primary method by which the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) on Chandrayaan-1 confirmed the presence of water?

Answer: By observing absorption features of water ice in the 1.0-2.5 µm wavelength region.

Explanation: The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) on Chandrayaan-1 confirmed the presence of water by observing specific absorption features of water ice in the 1.0-2.5 µm wavelength region of the Moon's reflectance spectra.

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Future Lunar Exploration and Human Ambitions

Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample-return mission consisting of four modules.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandrayaan-4 is indeed planned as a lunar sample-return mission by ISRO, designed to comprise four distinct modules.

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The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a solely Indian mission expected to launch in 2025.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a collaborative mission between India and Japan, and it is suggested to be launched in the 2028–29 timeframe, not solely Indian or in 2025.

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The long-term vision for the Chandrayaan programme includes landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.

Answer: True

Explanation: The long-term strategic vision for the Chandrayaan programme explicitly includes the objective of landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040, with continued robotic support.

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Chandrayaan-H2 is planned as India's first crewed lunar mission designed to orbit the Moon and return.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chandrayaan-H1 is planned as India's first crewed lunar mission designed to orbit the Moon and return. Chandrayaan-H2 is slated to be the first Indian crewed landing on the lunar surface.

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What is the planned mission for Chandrayaan-4?

Answer: A lunar sample-return mission.

Explanation: Chandrayaan-4 is planned as a lunar sample-return mission, designed to retrieve samples from the lunar surface.

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The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a collaborative mission between India and which other country?

Answer: Japan (JAXA)

Explanation: The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a collaborative endeavor between India and Japan (JAXA).

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What is the long-term vision for the Chandrayaan programme concerning human lunar landings?

Answer: To land Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040, with robotic support continuing.

Explanation: The long-term vision for the Chandrayaan programme includes the ambitious goal of landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040, with robotic missions continuing to provide essential support.

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Mission Infrastructure and Operational Aspects

ISRO created a mimic of Chandrayaan-2's lunar landing site in Challakere to test the lander and rover electronics.

Answer: True

Explanation: ISRO indeed constructed a simulated lunar landing site in Challakere, complete with craters, specifically for testing the electronics of the Chandrayaan-2 lander and rover.

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The Chandrayaan-1 orbiter was powered by nuclear RTGs during the night.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 orbiter was solar-powered during the day and relied on lithium-ion batteries during the lunar night, not nuclear RTGs.

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What was the purpose of creating a mimic of Chandrayaan-2's lunar landing site in Challakere?

Answer: To test the electronics of the lander and rover

Explanation: The simulated lunar landing site in Challakere was established by ISRO specifically to conduct rigorous testing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander and rover electronics under conditions mimicking the lunar surface.

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What were the power and attitude control systems of the Chandrayaan-1 orbiter?

Answer: Solar-powered during the day, lithium-ion batteries at night, and three-axis stabilization.

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 orbiter utilized solar power during the day, supplemented by lithium-ion batteries at night, and maintained its attitude through a three-axis stabilization system.

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What was the purpose of recreating the Moon-like site in Challakere for Chandrayaan-3?

Answer: To test the Chandrayaan-3 lander's electronics and systems for lunar conditions.

Explanation: The Moon-like site in Challakere was recreated for Chandrayaan-3 specifically to test the lander's electronics and systems, ensuring their robustness for lunar surface operations.

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Lunar Landing Site Designations

The Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe's landing site is named Tiranga Point.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe's landing site is named Jawahar Point, not Tiranga Point.

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The Chandrayaan-3 landing site is named Statio Shiv Shakti.

Answer: True

Explanation: The landing site for the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and Pragyan rover is officially designated Statio Shiv Shakti.

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What is the name of the Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe's landing site?

Answer: Jawahar Point

Explanation: The landing site of the Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe is officially named Jawahar Point.

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What is the name of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and Pragyan rover's landing site?

Answer: Statio Shiv Shakti

Explanation: The landing site for the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and Pragyan rover is officially designated Statio Shiv Shakti.

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