Chandrayaan-3: Everything You Need To Know From Launch To RoadMap

Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar exploration mission, was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday afternoon to land a rover on the Moon’s surface, a feat achieved by just three nations so far.

The mission is a follow-up of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which failed a desired soft landing on the lunar surface nearly four years ago in September 2019.

Launch Of Chandrayaan-3:

The orbit’s closest approach to Earth was around 170 km and its farthest, was at 36,500 km. Around 16 minutes after the LVM-3 lifted off, the spacecraft separated from the rocket. It was an integrated module comprising the propulsion module, the lander module, and the rover. It entered into an elliptic parking orbit (EPO).

RoadMap Of The LandRover:

According to ISRO, the lander can soft-land at a specified lunar site and deploy the rover. The rover will perform in-situ chemical studies of the lunar surface as it moves around. The lander also has scientific instruments to study the lunar surface and subsurface. The propulsion module will execute a series of maneuvers over the next month to sling itself towards the moon and be caught there by the moon’s gravity. Once it has been captured into a lunar orbit, the lander will detach itself and attempt to soft-land on the moon’s surface.

Objective Of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3 mission consists of the main objectives of exhibiting end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. Developing and demonstrating new technologies required for interplanetary missions is the goal. The spacecraft is expected to touch down on the Moon’s south pole region on August 23. The spacecraft consists of a six-wheeled lander and rover module, configured with payloads to provide data related to the Moon’s surface

However, the rover on the lunar surface will be doing more than just gathering data. The rare wheels of the rover, named Pragyan, leave imprints of the ISRO and the national emblem, depicting the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, on the lunar surface – symbolizing its presence and leaving India’s mark behind

Animated Video Of Chandrayaan-3

During the Chandrayaan-2 mission, a visual representation of the scenario was also shared by the ISRO on its YouTube channel. The video showed an animated representation of the lander arriving on the Moon’s surface, followed by the rover embarking on its mission after assessing the environment. As it started to move (at 2:45), the rover’s rear wheels left behind the logo imprints.

Appreciating ISRO:

Appreciating the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian… This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!

”Minister of State Jitendra Singh, who was present at the launch, said, “It is indeed a moment of glory for India. Thank you team ISRO for making India proud… Today is also a day of vindication: vindication of the dream Vikram Sarabhai [had] six decades ago.”