Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) mission to launch Chandrayaan-3 was initiated at 2.35 PM on July 14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This was a mission followed by Chandrayaan-2, which aimed to signify various capabilities of making the soft-landing on the moon to study the lunar surface using a lander and a rover which comes out of the lander.
The propulsion module was successfully separated from the rocket lander and after 16 minutes of the launch, it started revolving around the earth steadily towards the lunar orbit for 5-6 times in a circular motion with the closest distance of 170 Kms to the longest distance of 36,500 kilometers from earth. The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-3 was started 25.30 hours prior to the actual launch.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 mission was announced only after the successful accomplishment of the satellite into orbit without any unexpected incidents. “The LVM3-M4 rocket was launched smoothly and normally at the fixed time,” said ISRO. This mission plays an important role in the ISRO’s long-term plan, as it makes way for the future interplanetary exploration.
Nearly 10,000 people from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh had arrived in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh early in the morning to watch the big day uncut. Space exhibition was set up by ISRO for the visitors to witness the launch near the entrance of the space center.
A review for the mission readiness was conducted before the scheduled launch and the entire launch process was rehearsed before the launch of the vehicle, ISRO said. Chandrayaan-3 weighed almost 3,900 Kilograms, with a lander, a rover and a propulsion module installed in it. Once the estimated altitude is achieved, the lander module will start moving towards the south pole region for the soft-landing and the LVM 3 is expected to touch the lunar surface on 23rd or 24th of August with almost 3.84 lakhs km covered till now.
Chandrayaan-2 was not able to achieve the objective of soft-landing and in turn, the communication with the ‘Vikram’ was lost. Hence, the most challenging part when it comes to the launch of Chandrayaan-3 is the soft-landing to the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan 3 is the first significant mission which took place after the introduction of investment policies by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower the investments in space launched and satellite based ventures. This achievement of Chandrayaan-3 will mark our country’s entry into the elite club, which includes USA, Russia and China for successfully launching their satellites on the lunar surface.
An update was given by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) that the spacecraft is normal. Chandrayaan-3 is now in an orbit closest to 173 Kms to earth and around 41,762 kms far from earth. On Saturday night, a twitter handle of ISRO gave a statement that the initial orbit raising maneuver known as Earthbound firing-1 has been successfully executed by ISRO in Bengaluru. According to P Veeramuthuvel, the project director of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, after the successful launch, the spacecraft now is in orbit and in the mission to reach the lunar surface. Several crucial incidents like insertion into the lunar orbit, separation of the lander, earth-bound maneuvers and a power phase for soft-landing.
