Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, is scheduled to launch from Sriharikota on July 14 at 2.35 pm. Following the partial failure of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, Chandrayaan-3 aims to achieve a successful soft-landing on the Moon’s south pole. If successful, it will be the first mission in history to accomplish a soft-landing in this region, surpassing previous lunar landings near the equatorial region. The lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyaan, are expected to touch down on the lunar surface on August 23, marking a significant milestone for India’s space exploration endeavors. It will propel India into the elite group of countries that have successfully landed spacecraft on the moon. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, announced that this landmark achievement reflects the international recognition India has gained in the field of space exploration.
India’s Space Journey and Global Collaboration
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, significant space-related agreements were established, illustrating how countries that initiated their space missions before India now view it as an equal partner. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in space expertise, prompting the country to seize the opportunity to advance its lunar exploration endeavors.
Objectives of Chandrayaan-3: Soft Landing, Rover Roving, and Scientific Experiments
Chandrayaan-3, a successor to Chandrayaan-2, aims to demonstrate India’s capability in executing a safe and precise landing on the lunar surface, as well as enabling rover exploration. The mission profile involves the meticulous execution of the spacecraft’s entry into the moon’s orbit. Following a successful landing, the six-wheeled rover will operate for an estimated duration of 14 days, capturing and transmitting images with its array of cameras.
Prime Minister Modi’s Support and Path-breaking Decisions
Union Minister Jitendra Singh attributed the success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the favorable environment he has created for the nation’s space workers. Prime Minister Modi’s groundbreaking decisions, such as opening up the space sector for Public-Private Partnership (PPP), have been instrumental in propelling India’s space sector forward. Considering the current trajectory of growth, India’s space industry holds the potential to become a trillion-dollar economy in the coming years.
Contributions of Chandrayaan-1 and Advancements in Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-1, the first mission in the series, garnered global attention by discovering the presence of water on the lunar surface. This groundbreaking revelation captivated premier space agencies like NASA, who utilized the findings for further experiments. Chandrayaan-3 builds upon this success, operating at a more advanced level. The launch vehicle Mark-3, developed by ISRO, will facilitate the mission’s deployment.
Excitement Surrounding Chandrayaan-3’s Launch
Anticipation is high across India as Chandrayaan-3 prepares for launch. The previous mission, Chandrayaan-2, encountered a setback during the descent phase in 2019. With enhancements and exhaustive testing, Chandrayaan-3 aims to overcome past challenges and achieve remarkable milestones in India’s lunar exploration journey. The nation eagerly awaits the historic event, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.