The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), in its follow-up attempt of Chandrayaan 2, has accomplished an important milestone and creating history with the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3, marking the beginning of an ambitious 6-week expedition to the Moon. This significant achievement not only showcases India’s growing prowess in space exploration but also opens new doors for scientific discovery and lunar exploration.
Chandrayaan 3, the third lunar exploration mission of India has lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh as per the scheduled time i.e 2:35 pm. This significant mission makes India the fourth country to land its spacecraft on Moon’s surface and will demonstrate the ability of the country for safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
The launch of the Chandrayaan 3 was made on a GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle. With an estimated duration of one month, the spacecraft will cover the distance from Earth to the moon. The targeted landing for the spacecraft is scheduled for August 23.
When will it touchdown?
Following touchdown, the spacecraft will remain operational for one lunar day, which is approximately equivalent to 14 Earth days. This intriguing time dilation effect on the Moon offers a distinctive temporal perspective for conducting mission activities.
Chandrayaan 3 is the third lunar mission undertaken by India that has been built upon the success of its predecessors, Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced scientific instruments, the spacecraft is poised to unveil new insights about the Moon's geology, mineralogy, and lunar resources. The mission aims to deepen our understanding of the Moon's origin, evolution, and its potential as a future outpost for human exploration.
What will Chandrayaan 3 do on its journey?
Over the course of the 6-week voyage, Chandrayaan 3 will traverse vast distances through the expanse of space. The spacecraft will journey towards the Moon, covering millions of kilometers with precision and accuracy. Along its way, it will encounter various celestial phenomena, that require constant monitoring and adjustments by the ground control team at ISRO.
The success of the mission depends upon the spacecraft's ability to navigate through the intricate dance of gravitational forces and execute critical maneuvers with utmost precision. The onboard navigation systems that are meticulously designed and tested will guide Chandrayaan 3 towards its intended lunar orbit.
The spacecraft will then meticulously scan the lunar surface and collect invaluable data that will shape our understanding of Earth's closest celestial companion.
What significance does Chandrayaan 3 carries?
While the scientific objectives of Chandrayaan 3 are of paramount importance, the mission also holds great promise for technological advancements. The engineering prowess demonstrated in the design and development of the spacecraft showcases India's growing capabilities in the space domain. The mission serves as a testament to the talent, dedication, and expertise of the scientists and engineers at ISRO who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to fruition.
