ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission Set for July 14 Launch
In what can be considered the most ambitious venture in Indian space exploration history, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is preparing to launch the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. The LVM3 M4 rocket is scheduled for liftoff on July 14 at 2:35 pm.
The Chandrayaan projects have been hailed as the most complex experiments in ISRO’s space exploration endeavors. The previous Chandrayaan-1 mission achieved a significant milestone by confirming the presence of water on the moon’s surface. Traces of water were discovered based on information received from the lunar surface. It was a groundbreaking discovery, as no other country had been able to find evidence of water on the moon prior to this mission.
Following the success of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO developed the GSLV MK3 rocket, capable of launching a mass of approximately four tons. The next stage, Chandrayaan-2, was launched in 2019 and involved sending a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan to the moon. While the lander unfortunately did not successfully land on the lunar surface, the orbiter has been functioning impeccably for nearly four years. Therefore, the orbiter from the Chandrayaan-2 mission will be used for the Chandrayaan-3 project, effectively reducing the cost of the spacecraft.
The upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to demonstrate and implement technology that can safely land a lander and rover on the moon’s surface. The spacecraft consists of two main components: a carrying unit that holds the lander and rover in lunar orbit and an integrated module that facilitates the safe landing of the lander and rover on the lunar surface. Once the lander has landed, the rover will explore the lunar surface, collecting data and transmitting it to the orbiter, which will then transmit the information back to ISRO on Earth.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission faces significant challenges, including conducting surface research on the moon, analyzing minerals and elements, studying the moon’s atmosphere, confirming the presence of water and ice, capturing images of the lunar surface, and creating detailed 3D maps. To assist with these tasks, the rover will carry a device called LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy), which uses laser beams to analyze gases emitted by the lunar soil, providing valuable insights into the elements present on the moon’s surface.
Chandrayaan-3 is set to reach the moon approximately 40 days after its launch from Sriharikota. The landing is planned for August 23 or August 24, depending on favorable conditions. The successful landing depends on a crucial 15-minute phase, during which the lander slowly descends to the lunar surface using small rockets. Once landed, the rover will roll down a ramp, embarking on its mission to explore and analyze the moon’s surface.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission holds great importance for ISRO, as it signifies the advancements in technology and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. It demonstrates India’s commitment to space exploration and the potential for future discoveries and advancements in lunar research.
As the launch date approaches, ISRO and the entire Indian space community eagerly anticipate the success of Chandrayaan-3, paving the way for further exploration and scientific achievements.