Chandrayaan-3: India’s Chandrayaan-3 which started its journey on July 14 entered the final phase of its mission. The lander of Chandrayaan with its rover payloads successfully separated from the propulsion module on August 17 at 1:15pm.
The Indian Space Research Centre(ISRO) informed X about the successful separation of Vikram and Pragyan on social platform X.
While the whole world watches,Team #ISRO does India proud by gloriously coming through the last critical test!#Chandrayaan3 successfully conducts separation of Lander Module from Propulsion Module.
Heading now for the next destination. Countdown begins for landing on the #MOON. pic.twitter.com/npACTqjj5N— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 17, 2023
Praising the successful journey of Chandrayaan-3, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, wrote on X, “While the whole world watches, Team ISRO does India proud by gloriously coming through the last critical test!”.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Meanwhile, the Propulsion Module continues its journey in the current orbit for months/years.
The SHAPE payload onboard it would
perform spectroscopic study of the Earth’s atmosphere and
measure the variations in polarization from the clouds on…
— ISRO (@isro) August 17, 2023
He lauded the ISRO team for the successful launching and glorious mission which make India proud and the whole world is watching the historical moment when India is achieving marvels.
The upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission’s lander pays homage to the visionary Vikram Sarabhai (1919–1971), fondly known as the architect of India’s space program. A significant milestone was achieved this Wednesday when the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft completed its final lunar-bound orbit reduction manoeuvre, propelling it closer to its much-anticipated landing on the moon’s south pole scheduled for August 23.
The impressive launch of the spacecraft occurred on August 5, with the robust GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle carrying it into lunar orbit. A series of precise orbital manoeuvres followed, shaping its trajectory towards the moon.
Embarked upon on July 14, the Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a culmination of a month and three days of meticulous planning and preparation by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The liftoff occurred from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant soft landing on the moon’s surface is a significant endeavour, potentially positioning India as the fourth nation in history to achieve this feat, joining the esteemed ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.
This mission carries the mantle of several key objectives, including a safe and gentle landing, deployment of a functional rover on the lunar terrain, and the execution of in-situ scientific experiments. The endeavour comes with an approved budget of Rs 250 crores, excluding launch vehicle costs.
Initiated in January 2020, the development phase of Chandrayaan-3 encountered unforeseen delays due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The mission represents ISRO’s determined response to the challenges faced during the Chandrayaan-2 mission, particularly during the soft landing phase in 2019, which fell short of its primary objectives.
Significant scientific findings are anticipated from Chandrayaan-3, building on insights gleaned from its predecessor missions. Chandrayaan-2, for instance, contributed to our understanding of lunar characteristics such as sodium distribution and crater dimensions. Moreover, it provided conclusive evidence of water ice on the moon’s surface.
The moon, a treasure trove of ancient history, holds the potential to offer profound insights into Earth’s past. By unlocking its mysteries, Chandrayaan-3 has the potential to not only enrich our knowledge of the solar system but also illuminate our own planet’s history.
S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, recently provided reassurance on the mission’s progress, asserting that all systems are functioning as intended. As the countdown continues, optimism prevails as Chandrayaan-3 charts its course towards an ambitious lunar touchdown, reminding us of India’s steadfast commitment to scientific exploration and technological advancement.
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