LVM3 M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Mission Readiness Review is completed.
The board has authorised the launch.
The countdown begins tomorrow.

The launch can be viewed LIVE onhttps://t.co/5wOj8aimkHhttps://t.co/zugXQAY0c0https://t.co/u5b07tA9e5

DD National
from 14:00 Hrs. IST…

— ISRO (@isro) July 12, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar exploration mission, which aims to make India the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the surface of the moon. The mission, eagerly anticipated by space enthusiasts, will showcase India’s capabilities for a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. The countdown for the launch is scheduled to begin on Thursday, with the actual takeoff set for Friday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Mission Readiness and Launch Details

ISRO has completed the Mission Readiness Review and authorized the launch of Chandrayaan-3. The spacecraft will be launched on a GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle. The ‘Launch Rehearsal,’ simulating the entire launch preparation and process, has already been successfully concluded by ISRO.

Chandrayaan-3’s Objectives

If successful, Chandrayaan-3 will be the first spacecraft to land on the moon’s South Pole, marking a significant achievement for India’s technical prowess and ambitious space exploration goals. The mission will focus on demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover roving on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.

Launch Schedule and Lunar Landing

The journey from Earth to the moon is estimated to take approximately a month, with the landing expected on August 23. Upon touchdown, the spacecraft will operate for one lunar day, equivalent to approximately 14 Earth days. The landing date has been selected based on the sunrise on the moon, but in case of any delays, the landing may occur in the following month.

Learnings from Chandrayaan-2

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-up attempt by ISRO after the challenges faced during the soft landing of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. The lessons learned from the previous mission have been incorporated to ensure a successful outcome this time. The knowledge gained from Chandrayaan-2’s near-successful landing has provided valuable insights and increased confidence in tackling similar landing challenges.

Anticipation and Benefits

The success of Chandrayaan-3 will boost morale and pave the way for future missions, including India’s ambitious Gaganyan program. By achieving a soft landing on a celestial body, ISRO will acquire valuable landing technology that will benefit future generations. The mission will contribute to a deeper understanding of the moon’s geology and its significance in studying the origins of the Earth.

Experts’ Insights

Renowned personalities in the field of space exploration have expressed the importance of Chandrayaan-3. K Sivan, former director of ISRO, expressed confidence in the mission’s success, citing the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2. Mylswamy Annadurai, Mission Director of Chandrayaan-1, emphasized the need for a successful mission to solidify India’s position as a key player in lunar exploration.

Delayed Development Due to the Pandemic

The development phase of Chandrayaan-3 began in January 2020, with an initial plan to launch in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays in the development process, pushing the launch timeline further.

Scientific Significance of Chandrayaan-1

Chandrayaan-1 launched in 2008, made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface. The mission’s primary objective was to create a comprehensive three-dimensional atlas of the Moon and conduct chemical and mineralogical mapping. This enhanced understanding of the moon’s composition contributes to a broader knowledge of Earth’s past and prepares humanity for further exploration of the solar system.

Excitement for India’s Lunar Mission

As the countdown for Chandrayaan-3 begins, anticipation and excitement are building among space enthusiasts and the general public. The successful execution of this mission will establish India’s presence among the select group of countries that have landed on the moon, marking another milestone in the nation’s space exploration journey.