Chandrayaan-3 : India’s Third Moon Expedition Begins

India’s ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission, the country’s third moon expedition and second attempt at a soft lunar landing, has taken off successfully. The Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM 3) rocket carrying Chandrayaan-3 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket separating from the Chandrayaan-3 satellite about 16 minutes after lift-off. The satellite will now orbit the Earth for several cycles before moving towards the lunar orbit. The mission’s main objective is to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, a feat that eluded the previous Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with a lander, a rover, and a propulsion module, weighing approximately 3,900 kilograms. If successful, India will join the exclusive club of nations that have accomplished lunar landings, including the United States, Russia, and China.

This mission holds great significance for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as it aims to further the country’s inter-planetary exploration capabilities. The launch has drawn significant interest, with thousands of people from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka gathering to witness the historic event.

The soft landing on the moon’s surface is planned for late August, and the successful completion of this mission will bolster India’s credentials as a spacefaring nation. The Chandrayaan program was first announced in 2003, and since then, India has made remarkable progress in its lunar exploration endeavors.

The launch of Chandrayaan-3 signifies India’s commitment to space exploration and its aspirations to advance scientific knowledge on a global scale. The mission sets the stage for future space endeavors and positions India as a significant player in the international space community.