India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for a significant achievement as its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is set to make a scheduled moon landing on August 23. This mission aims to establish India as the fourth nation in the world to successfully achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. Following an intricate series of preparations, the spacecraft is undergoing orbital adjustments in anticipation of its historic touchdown.
The Journey So Far
Launched on July 14 via the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has embarked on a 40-day journey to reach the moon. The mission is a significant stride for ISRO, emphasizing its commitment to lunar exploration and the advancement of space technology.
Goals of Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Chandrayaan-3 represents India's third lunar expedition and its second attempt at achieving a delicate landing on the Moon's terrain. Following the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019, which faced challenges during its soft landing, this new mission serves as a crucial next step in ISRO's lunar exploration journey.
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are threefold:
1. Secure and Gentle Landing:The mission aims to accomplish a successful gentle landing on the moon's surface. This aspect is crucial as it demonstrates India's ability to execute precise and controlled landings on extraterrestrial bodies.
2. Rover Exploration: Chandrayaan-3 aims to enable a rover to traverse the lunar terrain, gathering valuable data and insights. This exploration will enhance our understanding of the moon's surface composition, topography, and other relevant factors.
3. Scientific Experiments:The mission will conduct scientific experiments in situ, contributing to our knowledge of the moon and its features. The data collected during these experiments will provide insights into the moon's geological history and potential resources.
Challenges and Progress
The developmental stage of Chandrayaan-3 began in January 2020, with the initial launch target set for 2021. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges, leading to delays in the mission's timeline. Despite the setbacks, ISRO remained committed to achieving its goals and is now on the brink of a historic achievement.
As of now, the spacecraft has completed around two-thirds of its journey to the moon and is currently engaged in a series of orbital adjustments. Chandrayaan-3 boasts an array of meticulously designed electronic and mechanical elements that are critical for a secure and gentle landing on the lunar surface. These elements include navigation sensors, propulsion systems, guidance and control mechanisms, and various onboard electronic components.
Anticipation and Impact
The Chandrayaan-3 mission holds significant promise for India's space exploration aspirations. A successful lunar landing would place India among the elite group of nations—United States, Russia, and China—that have achieved this remarkable feat. The mission not only signifies technological prowess but also contributes to global scientific knowledge and space exploration endeavors.
The sanctioned budget for Chandrayaan-3 stands at ₹250 crores, excluding launch-related expenses. With the successful execution of this mission, India's space agency could garner further support for upcoming projects, including Gaganyan, the nation's first manned space mission.
As India's space community awaits the monumental landing on August 23, experts and former ISRO scientists express optimism that the mission will be a game-changer for the nation and an inspiration to the world. This mission is not only a testament to India's dedication to space exploration but also a stepping stone towards unraveling the mysteries of the moon and beyond.
