ISRO has confirmed that they will attempt to land the Chandrayaan 3’s Vikram Lander module at its PLS or Predesignated Landing Spot today.
ISRO tweeted that they are all set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence or ALS later today, at 5:44 p.m. IST, when the Vikram Lander Module is propelled at the correct position.
ISRO will not control the Vikram Lander Module once the ALS has been initiated. Instead, it will be handled using preset algorithms, which AI and ML algorithms will tweak based on the input it receives from the module’s sensor and cameras.
Handing over the reins to AI
The Chandrayaan 3 uses a specially programmed system that will be in charge of the entire 15-minute landing process of Chandrayaan-3 as it descends. Powered by AI, this system covers everything from the lander’s computers to its guidance, control, and navigation systems.
The ISTRAC center in Bengaluru will receive the signals transmitted by Chandrayaan 3’s lander. After gathering this data, it will be relayed to multiple places: the Deep Space Network in Bengaluru, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States, and a station belonging to the European Space Agency in Spain.
An interesting thing to note is that once the clock hits 5:47 p.m. on Wednesday and the descent begins, the mission control center won’t be able to control the lander. The actual touchdown is set for 6:04 p.m.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success or failure will come down to the capability of a pre-programmed AI algorithm.
Sensors will constantly feed AI.
Scientists emphasize the pivotal role of sensors in operating a remotely controlled spacecraft. These sensors hold the key to crucial aspects like the craft’s location, speed, and orientation, forming the backbone of its functionality.
As the lander makes its way down from an altitude of 30 km above the moon’s surface to a height of 7.42 km during the initial 10 minutes of the 15-minute landing process, the sensors integrated into the lander kick into action, performing intricate calculations.
The heart of Chandrayaan 3 is its sensors. When dealing with a machine operated from a distance, its entire operation hinges on its capacity to perceive where it is, how fast it’s moving, and in which direction it’s headed. Various types of sensors are utilized for this purpose. Velocimeters and altimeters are examples; they furnish essential information about the lander’s speed and altitude, shared ISRO Chairman S Somnath.
Additionally, the craft boasts cameras, including a hazard avoidance camera and cameras based on inertia. When these diverse sensors are amalgamated using a clever algorithm, they offer a clear insight into the lander’s precise position.
Furthermore, the brilliant minds at ISRO also employ an AI system to oversee the lander’s navigation, guidance, and control. This system contributes to aligning the lander accurately, ensuring a safe and gentle landing.
Vikram to make a safe landing, even if sensors fail
S Somnath also pointed out that Chandrayaan-3 is crafted with a safety net. It is built to touch down securely even if all its sensors malfunction, as long as the propulsion system functions smoothly.
The design has been meticulously thought out. Even if two engines fail, the lander’s got it covered. They’ve engineered it to handle various mishaps. “If things go as planned with the calculations, we’re looking at a nice and straight landing,” the head of ISRO had mentioned earlier.
Regarding landing speeds, the Chandrayaan-3 lander can contact the lunar surface at a maximum velocity of 10.8 km per hour without putting the gadgets inside at risk. However, the sweet spot is more like 7.2 km per hour. The lander can even tilt up to 12 degrees and still stick the landing safely.
