Chapter 12 of 12
Chapter 12: Chandrayaan
India's Moon Mission, Vikram Lander, Pragyan Rover, ISRO Pride & Science | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Celebrating India's historic achievement: Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon's South Pole.
- Key spacecraft components: propulsion module, Vikram lander, and Pragyan rover.
- The dedication of ISRO scientists, teamwork, and scientific perseverance.
- National pride and inspiring young students to pursue space science and STEM.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
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Q1
Let us Think • Science Comprehension
What was the historic achievement of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission? What are the names of the lander and the rover?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answer:
1. Historic Achievement: On 23 August 2023, India became the first country in the world to successfully land a spacecraft near the challenging South Pole of the Moon, and the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
2. Components:
• The lander was named Vikram (in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme).
• The six-wheeled robotic rover was named Pragyan (which means 'wisdom' in Sanskrit).
1. Historic Achievement: On 23 August 2023, India became the first country in the world to successfully land a spacecraft near the challenging South Pole of the Moon, and the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
2. Components:
• The lander was named Vikram (in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme).
• The six-wheeled robotic rover was named Pragyan (which means 'wisdom' in Sanskrit).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct statement of first country at Moon's South Pole
1.5 M
Correct naming of Vikram lander and Pragyan rover
1.5 M
Q2
Scientific Vocabulary • Space Technology
Explain in simple words what a 'Rover' does on the Moon's surface. What was Pragyan looking for?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Explanation:
• A rover is a small robotic vehicle equipped with wheels, cameras, and scientific instruments that can drive over the rocky lunar soil.
• Pragyan's mission: Pragyan rolled down the ramp to analyse lunar soil and rocks, taking temperature measurements and confirming the presence of elements like sulphur, oxygen, iron, and traces of water ice beneath the lunar surface.
• A rover is a small robotic vehicle equipped with wheels, cameras, and scientific instruments that can drive over the rocky lunar soil.
• Pragyan's mission: Pragyan rolled down the ramp to analyse lunar soil and rocks, taking temperature measurements and confirming the presence of elements like sulphur, oxygen, iron, and traces of water ice beneath the lunar surface.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Definition of a lunar rover as a wheeled robotic explorer
1.5 M
Scientific investigation of soil, minerals, and water ice
1.5 M
Q3
National Pride & Career Inspiration
Why is 23rd August celebrated every year as 'National Space Day' in India?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Significance:
The Government of India declared 23rd August as National Space Day to commemorate the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 soft landing on the Moon, honour the brilliant women and men scientists of ISRO, and inspire future generations of students to pursue careers in space research and engineering.
The Government of India declared 23rd August as National Space Day to commemorate the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 soft landing on the Moon, honour the brilliant women and men scientists of ISRO, and inspire future generations of students to pursue careers in space research and engineering.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Commemoration of Chandrayaan-3 landing
1.0 M
Honouring ISRO scientists and inspiring youth
1.0 M
Q4
Inspirational Reading • Chandrayaan Mission
In Chapter 12 'Chandrayaan':
(a) What was the name of the historic mission launched by India to explore the Moon?
(b) What is the name of the Lander and the Rover that safely touched down on the Moon's South Pole?
(c) Which organization built and launched this spacecraft?
[3 Marks]
(a) What was the name of the historic mission launched by India to explore the Moon?
(b) What is the name of the Lander and the Rover that safely touched down on the Moon's South Pole?
(c) Which organization built and launched this spacecraft?
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Chandrayaan Historical Facts:
(a) Mission Name:
• Chandrayaan-3.
(b) Lander and Rover Names:
• The Lander was named Vikram (honoring Dr. Vikram Sarabhai).
• The Rover was named Pragyan (meaning 'Wisdom').
(c) Space Agency:
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
(a) Mission Name:
• Chandrayaan-3.
(b) Lander and Rover Names:
• The Lander was named Vikram (honoring Dr. Vikram Sarabhai).
• The Rover was named Pragyan (meaning 'Wisdom').
(c) Space Agency:
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct mission name (Chandrayaan-3)
1.0 M
Correct lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan) names
1.0 M
Correct space organization name (ISRO)
1.0 M
Q5
Space Vocabulary • Technical Terms
Match each space term with its meaning:
• Rover: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
• Lander: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
• Spacecraft: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
[3 Marks]
• Rover: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
• Lander: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
• Spacecraft: [A machine launched to explore planets, A vehicle that moves on the moon's surface, A craft that touches down gently on ground]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Space Vocabulary Matches:
• Rover $\rightarrow$ A vehicle with wheels that rolls and collects soil samples on the moon's surface.
• Lander $\rightarrow$ A craft designed to make a soft, gentle touchdown on the lunar soil.
• Spacecraft $\rightarrow$ A vehicle designed for traveling beyond Earth's atmosphere in space.
• Rover $\rightarrow$ A vehicle with wheels that rolls and collects soil samples on the moon's surface.
• Lander $\rightarrow$ A craft designed to make a soft, gentle touchdown on the lunar soil.
• Spacecraft $\rightarrow$ A vehicle designed for traveling beyond Earth's atmosphere in space.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct match for Rover
1.0 M
Correct match for Lander
1.0 M
Correct match for Spacecraft
1.0 M
Q6
Speaking & Role-Play • Interviewing an Astronaut
Imagine you are interviewing an Indian scientist at ISRO after the successful moon landing.
Write two questions you would ask the scientist.
[2 Marks]
Write two questions you would ask the scientist.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Sample Scientist Interview Questions:
1. 'How did you and your team feel during the final 15 minutes of the Vikram lander's soft landing on the Moon?'
2. 'What interesting minerals and traces of water has the Pragyan rover discovered so far on the Moon's South Pole?'
1. 'How did you and your team feel during the final 15 minutes of the Vikram lander's soft landing on the Moon?'
2. 'What interesting minerals and traces of water has the Pragyan rover discovered so far on the Moon's South Pole?'
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two insightful, grammatically accurate interview questions
2.0 M
Q7
National Pride • Tricolour on the Moon
What did the Pragyan rover leave imprinted on the lunar soil as its wheels rolled forward?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Lunar Imprint Fact:
• As the Pragyan rover rolled across the lunar soil, its wheels left behind the permanent embossed imprints of the National Emblem of India (the Lion Capital of Ashoka) and the ISRO logo.
• As the Pragyan rover rolled across the lunar soil, its wheels left behind the permanent embossed imprints of the National Emblem of India (the Lion Capital of Ashoka) and the ISRO logo.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mention of National Emblem (Ashoka Lion Capital)
1.0 M
Mention of ISRO logo imprint
1.0 M
Q8
Reading is Fun • Comprehension
In Chapter 12 ('Chandrayaan'), what is the central theme of the story/poem? Summarize in two sentences.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Summary:
The chapter highlights the joy of learning, friendship, and understanding the world around us. It inspires children to observe nature carefully and express their thoughts creatively.
The chapter highlights the joy of learning, friendship, and understanding the world around us. It inspires children to observe nature carefully and express their thoughts creatively.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Accurate central theme
1 M
Clear two-sentence summary
1 M
Q9
Talk Time • Classroom Discussion
Share your thoughts about 'Chandrayaan': What was the most interesting part of the chapter, and why?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Model Response:
The most interesting part was when the characters discovered a creative solution to their problem through teamwork. It showed that working together makes difficult challenges simple and enjoyable.
The most interesting part was when the characters discovered a creative solution to their problem through teamwork. It showed that working together makes difficult challenges simple and enjoyable.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Specific part identified
1 M
Valid personal reason
1 M
Q10
Word Building • Vocabulary Enhancement
Find words from 'Chandrayaan' that have similar meanings (synonyms) to: (a) Glad (b) Quick (c) Huge.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Synonyms:
• (a) Glad — Happy / Joyful.
• (b) Quick — Fast / Rapid.
• (c) Huge — Big / Enormous.
• (a) Glad — Happy / Joyful.
• (b) Quick — Fast / Rapid.
• (c) Huge — Big / Enormous.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct
3 M
Q11
Let us Listen • Rhyme and Phonics
Identify rhyming pairs from the poem or text in 'Chandrayaan'. Give two examples with their rhyming sounds.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Light - Night (rhyming sound '-ight').
2. Round - Sound (rhyming sound '-ound').
1. Light - Night (rhyming sound '-ight').
2. Round - Sound (rhyming sound '-ound').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs
2 M
Q12
Grammar & Language • Prepositions
Fill in the blanks with in, on, or under:
(a) The bird sits ___ the branch.
(b) The water is ___ the jug.
(c) The tired dog rested ___ the shady tree.
[3 Marks]
(a) The bird sits ___ the branch.
(b) The water is ___ the jug.
(c) The tired dog rested ___ the shady tree.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Prepositions:
• (a) on
• (b) in
• (c) under.
• (a) on
• (b) in
• (c) under.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
on, in, under correct
3 M
Q13
Let us Write • Sentence Formation
Rearrange the jumbled words to make a meaningful sentence: 'gives / warmth / the / sun / us / light / and'
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Correct Sentence:
The sun gives us light and warmth.
The sun gives us light and warmth.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct grammatical word order and punctuation
2 M
Q14
Vocabulary • Compound Words
Combine the two words to form a compound word:
(a) Sun + shine = ___
(b) Rain + bow = ___
(c) Class + room = ___.
[3 Marks]
(a) Sun + shine = ___
(b) Rain + bow = ___
(c) Class + room = ___.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Compound Words:
• (a) Sun + shine = Sunshine
• (b) Rain + bow = Rainbow
• (c) Class + room = Classroom.
• (a) Sun + shine = Sunshine
• (b) Rain + bow = Rainbow
• (c) Class + room = Classroom.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sunshine, Rainbow, Classroom
3 M
Q15
Creative Writing • Picture Description
Look at the illustration of 'Chandrayaan' in your textbook and describe what the characters are doing in two sentences.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Model Answer:
In the illustration, the children are gathered excitedly in a circle observing their project. Their smiling faces show how much fun they are having while learning together.
In the illustration, the children are gathered excitedly in a circle observing their project. Their smiling faces show how much fun they are having while learning together.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Description of character actions
1 M
Complete sentences
1 M
Q16
Think & Reflect • Value Question
What important value or moral lesson does 'Chandrayaan' teach us?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Value Learned:
It teaches us perseverance, gratitude, and empathy towards people and nature around us. Being curious and kind makes our world a happier place.
It teaches us perseverance, gratitude, and empathy towards people and nature around us. Being curious and kind makes our world a happier place.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral/value stated with explanation
2 M
Q17
Review Time • True or False
State whether each statement is True or False based on 'Chandrayaan':
(a) The main character solved the problem alone without any help.
(b) Practicing every day helps us become better at what we do.
(c) We should always be polite when speaking to others.
[3 Marks]
(a) The main character solved the problem alone without any help.
(b) Practicing every day helps us become better at what we do.
(c) We should always be polite when speaking to others.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) False: Cooperation and teamwork were essential.
• (b) True: Practice builds skill and confidence.
• (c) True: Politeness and good manners are important.
• (a) False: Cooperation and teamwork were essential.
• (b) True: Practice builds skill and confidence.
• (c) True: Politeness and good manners are important.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
False, True, True with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Scientific Resilience & Failure to Success
In 2019, Chandrayaan-2's lander lost communication just 2 km above the lunar surface and crashed. Instead of giving up, ISRO scientists analyzed every error and redesigned Chandrayaan-3 with stronger legs and better sensors.
Analytical Task: What life lesson does ISRO's journey from Chandrayaan-2 to Chandrayaan-3 teach school students about dealing with failure in examinations and life?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
1. Failure is not the end of the road; it is a powerful stepping stone to future success if one learns honestly from mistakes.
2. By calmly analyzing what went wrong, correcting their methods, and working together as a determined team, ISRO proved that perseverance and hard work always turn failure into historic victory.
2. By calmly analyzing what went wrong, correcting their methods, and working together as a determined team, ISRO proved that perseverance and hard work always turn failure into historic victory.
Rubric: 1.5M learning from mistakes and perseverance + 1.5M inspiring message on overcoming setbacks.