The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its next lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3, scheduled to launch in July. After the challenges faced by its predecessor, Chandrayaan 2, ISRO is determined to make another attempt at landing on the lunar surface and exploring its mysteries with a dedicated rover. ISRO Chief S Somanath confirmed the mission’s timeline during a recent announcement, marking an important milestone for India’s space exploration efforts.
Chandrayaan 3: Learning from Past Experiences:
Chandrayaan 2 encountered difficulties during its landing phase, prompting ISRO to abort the mission. However, the setback served as a valuable learning experience for the space agency. Somanath acknowledged the risks associated with space missions, stating, “In this business, the possibility of failure is always there.” Armed with valuable insights, ISRO is determined to overcome previous challenges and achieve a successful lunar landing with Chandrayaan 3.
Launch Details and Expectations:
The Chandrayaan 3 mission will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, propelled by an LVM3 rocket. While an exact launch date has not been disclosed yet, Somanath’s confirmation of a July launch sets the stage for an exciting mission. ISRO is expected to announce the specific launch date in the coming weeks, building anticipation among space enthusiasts and the scientific community.
Mission Objectives and Equipment:
Similar to its predecessor, Chandrayaan 3 aims to safely land on the lunar surface and deploy a rover to explore its terrain. ISRO plans to equip the spacecraft with a Lander and a Rover, ensuring comprehensive investigations and data collection. The propulsion module will accompany the lander and rover configuration until reaching a lunar orbit of 100 km. Notably, the propulsion module will carry the Spectro-polarimetry of the Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, enabling the study of Earth through spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit.
Recent Success: GSLV Launch and Navigation Satellite Deployment:
In a recent achievement, ISRO successfully launched the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota. The primary objective of the mission was to deploy the NVS-01 navigation satellite, weighing approximately 2,232 kilograms. This satellite belongs to the second generation of the Navigation with Indian Constellation series. The successful completion of this mission places India among the exclusive group of just three other countries in the world.
Looking Ahead:
As India’s space exploration journey continues to expand, the upcoming Chandrayaan 3 mission holds great promise. With improved strategies and insights gained from previous attempts, ISRO is poised to take another leap toward unlocking the mysteries of the Moon. The successful landing and rover exploration envisioned in Chandrayaan 3 will not only enhance our understanding of lunar science but also solidify India’s position as a key player in the global space exploration arena.
Stay tuned for more updates as ISRO unveils further details about the Chandrayaan 3 mission, bringing us closer to an exciting new chapter in India’s space exploration endeavors.
