Chandrayaan-3 Replica

A Tribute to ISRO & a Technological Demonstration for Science Outreach

In celebration of India's landmark Chandrayaan-3 mission (India's lunar mission), which successfully landed near the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha initiated a visionary project: to build a full-scale, functional replica of the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover system. The aim was to inspire students and the local community by demonstrating how lunar exploration works, through an interactive and educational model.

I led the design, engineering, and fabrication of the replica, integrating disciplines such as mechanical systems, electronics, microcontroller programming, and structural engineering. The project culminated in a grand public unveiling on January 3, 2025, in the presence of Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

Project Highlights

90% Visual and Functional Accuracy compared to the original Chandrayaan-3
Fully working Vikram lander and Pragyan rover replicas
Built-in sequential simulation of the lunar landing process
Controlled entirely via a custom-designed mobile phone interface
Includes 7 microcontrollers, various sensors, actuators, and power systems

Lander Module

Total weight: ~150 kg
Descent simulated using an electric hoist and a custom-built rope suspension system
Jet engines mimicked using:
- Electric blowers
- LED lighting effects
- Fog/smoke machine for realism
Microcontroller-controlled sequencing for:
- Jet engine activation
- Landing sequence
- Lander door opening
- Rover deployment

Rover Module (Pragyan Replica)

Total weight: ~20 kg
Powered by a 12V lithium-ion battery
Features:
- 2 geared motors for drive
- 1 geared motor for solar panel lifting via linear actuator
- Solar panel deployment system
Controlled via 4 dedicated microcontrollers
Designed for smooth movement and accurate simulation of real rover behaviour

🔬 Educational Impact

This project not only paid tribute to the brilliance of ISRO’s achievement but also served as an innovative science outreach tool, sparking enthusiasm among students and educators. It combined theatrical demonstration with technical depth, allowing observers to experience what it would be like to witness the Chandrayaan-3 landing in real time.

Chandrayaan-3 replica

Chandrayaan-3 replica(Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover)

Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, handing me the Gyaana Chethana Certificate of Appreciation at Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha

Conversation with Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

Audience

A discussion with the audience about the making of the replica and the challenges, issues, and hurdles faced during the process.

Me and my family with the Chandrayaan-3 replica