Chandrayaan-3 nears lunar touchdown: India’s lunar mission update


In an exciting development, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission is making impressive strides towards achieving its lunar landing goal. Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the spacecraft is now gracefully orbiting the Moon.

Closer to the Moon’s Surface

Chandrayaan-3, with its successful lunar orbit entry, is edging closer to its much-anticipated lunar landing. As of the latest update, the spacecraft is approximately 1,437km away from the lunar surface. Guided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chandrayaan-3 has flawlessly executed a series of lunar-bound maneuvers, including the crucial Lunar Orbit Insertion on August 5.

Final Approach

The mission’s upcoming milestones are eagerly awaited. By August 16, Chandrayaan-3 is projected to reach a 100 km orbit around the Moon. Subsequently, the Propulsion Module will separate from the Lander, marking the prelude to the final landing approach.

Bold Objectives

Chandrayaan-3 holds ambitious objectives, primarily demonstrating a secure and gentle landing on the lunar surface. It also aims to operate a rover for approximately one lunar day, equivalent to 14 Earth days. This compact 26-kilogram rover is poised to conduct scientific explorations, delving into the lunar environment’s history, geology, and resource potential.

Three Phases of the Journey

Chandrayaan-3’s journey to the Moon is categorized into three distinctive phases: Earth-centric, lunar transfer, and moon-centric phases. Following five orbits around Earth, the spacecraft commenced its lunar journey by adopting a lunar transfer trajectory. Another pivotal step, reducing the spacecraft’s orbit further, is scheduled for August 14.

Stepping Stones to Success

Success for Chandrayaan-3 would signify a remarkable milestone for India’s space program, placing it among a select group of nations that have achieved controlled lunar surface landings. This mission also underscores India’s adeptness in cost-effective space engineering, with a budget of just over Rs 600 crore, significantly lower than its global counterparts.

Confidence in Success

ISRO Chief S Somanath’s confidence in the mission is palpable. Engineers have meticulously analyzed data from past missions, incorporating necessary adjustments into a failure-resistant design to ensure the landing’s success.

Paving the Way for India

Chandrayaan-3’s triumph would be a pivotal moment for India, showcasing the nation’s substantial growth in space exploration since its debut lunar probe in 2008. With the world’s eyes on this extraordinary journey, India inches closer to making an indelible mark on the lunar surface.

Stay tuned for more updates on Chandrayaan-3’s remarkable expedition, a testament to India’s determination and innovation in the realm of space exploration.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

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