Interpreted Investigation Report: Loss of Vikram Lander During Lunar Landing Phase

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the failure of India's Vikram lander during its lunar landing attempt, exploring potential causes and proposing recommendations to improve future lunar missions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed investigation into the Vikram lander's loss, considering various failure factors and suggesting enhancements for subsequent lunar landings.

Findings

Communication loss at 2.1 km altitude

Possible causes include vibrations, thruster issues, power depletion

Recommendations for backup power and direct communication systems

Abstract

This article examines India's first science lander mission on 22 July 2019, attempting a historic landing on the Lunar South Pole Region. Communication was lost at 2.1 km above the lunar surface during the rough braking phase. The cause of the Chandrayaan 2 lander "Vikram" failure remains undisclosed. Possible factors such as vibrations, thruster issues, and power depletion are considered. Recommendations include backup power sources and direct communication systems for interplanetary missions. Despite the setback, ISRO proposed "Chandrayaan 3" to explore the lunar polar region. Chandrayaan 2's legacy influences future missions, shaping India's aspirations for pioneering space endeavors. Gratitude is expressed to ISRO for insights gained during live coverage.