NE SCIENCE & TECH BUREAU
SRIHARIKOTA (AP), JULY 14
India became the fourth country after United States, China and Russia to land its spacecraft on the surface of the moon after successfully launched Chandrayaan-3 on Friday. The Chandrayaan-3 carrying several payloads was launched from the Satish Dhawan space centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third mission to moon. It is a major stride for India’s space journey, which has expanded rapidly since the first moon mission in 2008. The second mission during 2019 was failed.
India successfully launches Chandrayaan-3 marking another significant milestone in space exploration.
Heartiest congratulations to the @ISRO team and everyone who worked relentlessly to accomplish the feat!
It demonstrates the nation's unwavering commitment to advancement in…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 14, 2023
The lander Vikram will be taken for landing on the moon’s south pole by rover Pragyan. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to prove Indian Space Research organisation’s (ISRO’s) capability of completing a soft landing on the moon. It is also carrying many important payloads that will collect important data about the lunar surface.
Jai Ho 🇮🇳 #Chandrayaan3 LVM3 had a majestic launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Congratulations team @isro 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MeVGecTM9k— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 14, 2023
According to ISRO, the landing will take place on August 23-24, after a 40-day journey. The date has been decided based on the availability of sunlight on the moon.
There are several days when the moon’s south pole is devoid of any sunlight, making it impossible for the solar panels attached to the lander to charge.
If the date is missed due to any reason, ISRO will have to keep the landing for the next month – in September.
Chandrayaan-3 will make India the fourth country after US, China, and Russia, to land its spacecraft on the surface of the moon and demonstrate the country’s abilities for safe and soft landing on lunar surface.
It is equipped with a lander, a rover and a propulsion module and weighs around 3,900 kilograms.
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! https://t.co/gko6fnOUaK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023
“This remarkable mission will carry the hopes and dreams of our nation,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted earlier.
Chandrayaan-3’s development phase commenced in January 2020 with the launch planned sometime in 2021. Due to Covid-19 pandemic the mission was delayed.
L&T has been associated with India’s Space Program for over five decades. L&T is playing a critical role in the launch of LVM3 M4 Chandrayaan Mission 🇮🇳
Read more: https://t.co/MZXUHbHldi@isro#LarsenToubroNews #Chandrayaan3 pic.twitter.com/WrGr6GMDyd— Larsen & Toubro (@larsentoubro) July 13, 2023