India aims to become the fourth country in the world to successfully execute a controlled moon landing mission
India has successfully launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission, which aims to land a spacecraft on the moon's surface and conduct scientific experiments to learn more about the moon's composition. The mission was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (July 14, 2023), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 rocket. "Congratulations India. Chandrayaan-3 has started its journey towards the moon," ISRO Director Sreedhara Panicker Somanath said from the Mission Control Room moments after the launch. CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION HIGHLIGHTS * The successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant step towards advancing India's position as a major space power. * Chandrayaan-3 is the country's third mission to Earth's natural satellite, the moon. The official countdown for the launch began on July 13, 2023. * The Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14 at 2:35 pm local time. * Thousands of people cheered outside the mission control centre and waved Indian flags as the spacecraft was launched; millions of Indians watched the event live on television and official media streams. * The spacecraft is expected to land on the moon's surface around August 23 or 24, 2023, covering a distance of over 300,000 km. * Once Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the lunar surface, it is anticipated to operate for a duration of one lunar day, equivalent to approximately 14 Earth days. This timeframe aligns with the unique lunar day-night cycle, which is significantly longer than a typical Earth day. * During this period, the spacecraft will carry out its intended mission, conducting scientific experiments, capturing high-resolution images, and collecting valuable data about the lunar terrain, geology, and atmosphere. * By maximizing its operational time within the lunar day, the spacecraft aims to optimize its scientific output and enhance our understanding of the Moon's composition and evolution. * The agendas will be executed with the assistance of three major components — a Lander, a Rover, and a Propulsion model. It will be using the Orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 which still exists in the lunar atmosphere. * Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted after the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 into orbit, "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". In another tweet, he said, "I salute their spirit and ingenuity!. INDIA SHOWCASES ITS TECHNOLOGICAL PROWESS The Chandrayaan-3 mission offers India an opportunity to showcase its capabilities, expand scientific knowledge, drive technological innovation, and inspire future generations. By contributing to India's scientific, technological, and educational growth, the launch establishes the country as a prominent player in the global space arena. The successful embarkment of the mission is a testament to the dedication and hard work of India's scientists and engineers. With the spacecraft expected to land on the moon's surface in August, the world is watching as India attempts to become only the fourth country to execute a controlled landing on the moon. Prime Minister Modi echoed the significance of Chandrayaan-3 before the launch. In a tweet thread, the Prime Minister said, "14th July 2023 will always be etched in golden letters as far as India’s space sector is concerned. Chandrayaan-3, our third lunar mission, will embark on its journey. This remarkable mission will carry the hopes and dreams of our nation.... Chandrayaan-3 will be inserted into the Lunar Transfer Trajectory after the orbit raising maneuvers. Covering over 300,000 km, it will reach the Moon in the coming weeks. Scientific instruments onboard will study the Moon’s surface and enhance our knowledge"