Chandrayaan 3 is all set to be launched on July 13. 2023. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has confirmed that they will be launching their highly foreseen lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3 on July 13 at 2:30 pm IST time from India’s only spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota by a GSLV Mark 3 heavy-lift launch vehicle at a budget of Rs. 615 Crore.
This mission is India’s third lunar venture that represents another step for the space exploration practice of the nation after the successful but poignant Chandrayaan 2 mission in 2019. This spacecraft is likely to land on the moon's surface in just over a month. The expected date for the spacecraft landing on the moon is 23rd August.
With high hopes for the mission's success, ISRO officials are optimistic about the prospects of the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. This mission holds great promise for expanding our knowledge of the moon, as its primary goal is to showcase the capability of achieving a gentle touchdown on the lunar surface and effectively operating a robotic rover. Through this endeavor, we anticipate a significant advancement in our understanding of the moon and its mysteries.
Testing of the spacecraft
To ensure a triumphant mission, the Chandrayaan-3 underwent meticulous testing and validation procedures to mitigate potential risks. Drawing from valuable insights gained from the previous mission, the mission design has been carefully optimized, including the configuration of the lunar payload. Through these efforts, the team has worked diligently to enhance the mission's chances of success while minimizing any uncertainties that may arise.
Why this landing site?
The chosen landing site was specifically selected due to its abundance of craters that remain perpetually shrouded in shadows, providing a higher likelihood of studying water ice. The previous Chandrayaan-1 mission, which included payloads from NASA, played a crucial role in confirming the existence of water and hydroxyl (OH) molecules on the lunar surface.
What is included in the design?
In Chandrayaan 3, ISRO has made significant strides in ensuring the success of this mission. The spacecraft for this mission is similar to Chandrayaan 2 as it will consist of a lander and a rover, but not an orbiter. The propulsion module will serve as a communications relay satellite, escorting the lander and rover until the spacecraft reaches a lunar orbit of 100 km.
Also, a key addition to the mission is the introduction of the Spectro- polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. This instrument will conduct spectrum and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit and provide data and insights about our planet. This enhancement further enhances the mission’s scientific objectives and expands our understanding of Earth and its unique characteristics.
What are the objectives of this mission?
The Indian Space Research Organization has defined three primary objectives for this mission, which are, to achieve a safe and soft landing on the Moon, to conduct in-situ scientific observations, and to demonstrate the rover’s lingering capabilities on the lunar surface. It also focuses on exploring the chemical and natural elements, such as soil, and water availability on the lunar surface to enhance our understanding of the Moon’s composition, shedding light on its unique properties and enriching our knowledge of this celestial body.
What effect will the mission have on India?
If this mission gets completed successfully, it will make India the fourth country worldwide to accomplish a soft landing on the moon, after the US, Russia, and China.
