India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, the country’s third lunar venture, is ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into space, announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Scheduled for launch on July 14, the mission aims to demonstrate India’s advanced landing and exploration capabilities on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3 mission ready for launch. (Photo: Isro)
Launch Rehearsal and Key Features
ISRO recently completed a comprehensive 24-hour “launch rehearsal,” successfully simulating the entire launch process of Chandrayaan-3. This exercise ensures that all systems are functioning optimally and paves the way for a smooth mission.
Destination: Moon’s South Pole
Chandrayaan-3’s primary objective is to deploy a lander and rover in the highlands near the Moon’s South Pole. If successful, this mission will be the first to achieve a soft landing in close proximity to the lunar south pole, a significant milestone for lunar exploration.
Learning from Chandrayaan-2
Chandrayaan-3 builds upon the lessons learned from its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. The Chandrayaan-2 mission faced setbacks when its soft landing attempt failed due to technical issues. However, the ISRO has implemented improvements and upgrades to ensure a more secure landing for Chandrayaan-3.
Launch Details and Timeline
Chandrayaan-3 will be launched on July 14 at 2:35 p.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. Following its launch, the spacecraft will enter lunar orbit approximately one month later. The anticipated landing of the lander Vikram and rover Pragyaan is expected to occur on August 23 or 24.
Launch Vehicle and Mission Components
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3), also known as the Launch Vehicle Mark III, will facilitate the launch of Chandrayaan-3. The spacecraft weighs 3900 kilograms and consists of a lander, rover, and propulsion module. The rover, similar to the one used in Chandrayaan-2, has undergone enhancements to ensure a safe and successful landing.
Budget and Importance of the Mission
The entire Chandrayaan-3 mission, including the launch, is estimated to cost Rs. 615 crore. This ambitious lunar mission showcases India’s dedication to scientific exploration and contributes to our understanding of the Moon while setting the stage for future discoveries.
Anticipation and Implications
ISRO’s successful launch simulation and the release of new images have generated excitement and anticipation for Chandrayaan-3. As India prepares for this remarkable lunar adventure, the world eagerly awaits the mission’s outcome. With its ambitious goals and advanced capabilities, Chandrayaan-3 has the potential to significantly contribute to our knowledge of the Moon and pave the way for future scientific exploration.
By providing up-to-date information on Chandrayaan-3, including key features, launch details, and the mission’s significance, this article aims to inform readers about this important milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.
