Background
As the closest celestial body to us, the moon has been the dream and curiosity of countless people since ancient times.
From the ancient legend of Chang'e to the moon to the modern lunar exploration, every step of the footprint has recorded the exploration and conquest of the unknown world by human beings. In this space race, the participation of different countries makes this lunar exploration trip even more interesting. China and India, for example, have their own unique paths to space exploration, and the costs and technical means invested in them are also very different.
In 2013, China's Chang'e-3 successfully landed on the moon at a cost of up to $120 million, while India's Chandrayaan-3 probe in 2023 cost only $75 million.
Body content:
In 2013, China's Chang'e-3 probe successfully landed on the moon, marking an important step forward in China's space exploration. This project is not only a demonstration of technology, but also a symbol of national strength.
It is reported that the budget for the entire project is as high as 300 million US dollars, and the actual cost in the end is about 120 million US dollars. And ten years later, in 2023, India is not far behind, launching the Chandrayaan-3, which costs much less than China's, for only $75 million. The disparity between these two figures has sparked a lot of discussion, what is the reason for this cost difference?
First of all, you can get a glimpse of one or two from the choice of rockets. China's Chang'e-3 rocket uses the Long March-3B rocket, which has a strong payload capacity and can provide a geosynchronous orbit carrying capacity of 5.5 tons, which allowed Chang'e-3 to successfully reach the moon in just three days.
In contrast, India's Chandrayaan-3 uses an LVM3 rocket, which has a slightly lower payload capacity of only 4 tons, so the Indian probe needs to go through more orbital maneuvers and precise calculations, and it takes 40 days to reach the moon with great difficulty.
In terms of the function of the detector, the difference between the two is even more obvious. China's Chang'e-3 is powered by a 7,500N engine, a high-performance engine that allows the probe to land and move with precision.
In addition, it is equipped with an advanced GNC system, which can automatically avoid obstacles on the lunar surface, greatly enhancing the survivability of the probe. And, in response to extreme temperature changes on the lunar surface, Chinese scientists have innovatively used thermally controlled two-phase fluid loops and variable heat pipe technology, which India does not have.
In contrast, India's "Chandrayaan-3", although it has an advantage in cost, is relatively simple in terms of technical equipment. It does not have high-performance engines and lacks a sophisticated obstacle avoidance system, which directly leads to the limitations of its ability to operate on the lunar surface.
In addition, in order to control costs, India has made a lot of compromises in material selection and technology application, which has reduced costs, but also correspondingly reduced the performance and reliability of the detectors. Although this strategy has effectively reduced the budget, there is obviously still a big gap compared with China's "Chang'e-3" in terms of technological content and security guarantees.
Behind this, there are also different orientations of the two countries in space strategy and national investment.
China's investment in the space sector has been generous, reflecting the country's high priority on scientific and technological progress and international advancement. In contrast, India, while increasing its investment in space in recent years, has generally preferred a cost-effective strategy. This difference is not only reflected in the investment of funds, but also affects the depth and breadth of technology accumulation and talent training.
For example, in the process of designing and manufacturing detectors, China has been able to mobilize top resources at home and abroad, including the introduction of international advanced technology and equipment, and extensive cooperation with scientific research institutions around the world.
Although India is also trying to take the path of internationalization, due to budget constraints, its pace of technology introduction and talent training is significantly slower than China's. This can be seen from the technical level and mission results of the detectors of the two countries.
Nonetheless, India's cost-containment strategy also offers another possibility for the global space sector. In the face of insufficient funds, India's approach to how to use limited resources to complete complex space missions has undoubtedly provided valuable experience to the world.
This low-cost model, especially in the current global economic situation, is attractive and valuable for many countries with limited budgets.
Sublimation at the end:
On the other side of the moon, the story of China's and India's lunar exploration is like a wonderful double reed, showing two very different styles of exploration. On the one hand, it is "heavy investment, technology first", and on the other hand, it is "economical and applicable, clever response". This is not only a technological and economic choice between the two countries, but also a reflection on the future path of space exploration.
Some people may ask whether higher investment can be combined with greater success, or whether low-cost lunar exploration means the sacrifice of technology? There is no standard answer to these questions.
When exploring the unknown universe, every attempt is an exploration of infinite possibilities. In this process, different paths and choices are actually adding more possibilities to the space dream of mankind.
"Ambition is in my heart, and the stars are within reach. "Whether it is a high-cost precise exploration or a low-cost practical attempt, it is the embodiment of human wisdom and an extension of infinite curiosity and desire to explore the future. Such a story of lunar exploration not only allows us to witness the power of technology, but also makes us feel the strength of the motherland. "Let's cheer for the motherland" Long live China!!