Chandrayaan 3, the next bold step in India’s space exploration journey, represents a significant stride toward unravelling the mysteries of the Moon. Building on the successes of Chandrayaan 1 and 2, this mission, meticulously designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to deepen our understanding of lunar geology, uncover hidden secrets, and elevate India’s stature in the global space community.
Global Impact and Significance of Chandrayaan 3
Chandrayaan 3 was meticulously designed by ISRO’s team of brilliant scientists and engineers. The estimated cost of this lunar endeavor is around INR 2,597 crore ($350 million USD). This allocation underscores ISRO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration while ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Design and Cost of Chandrayaan 3
Crafted by ISRO’s brilliant minds, Chandrayaan 3 comes with a hefty price tag of INR 2,597 crore ($350 million USD). This financial commitment underscores ISRO’s dedication to innovation and cutting-edge space research.
Materials and Components
Chandrayaan 3’s components are a testament to engineering excellence. The orbiter module is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging instruments, advanced sensors, and reliable communication systems, ensuring the seamless transmission of vital data.
Key Dates and Milestones
On July 14th, a momentous event unfolded as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. With this ambitious mission, ISRO embarked on a historic journey towards expanding humanity’s understanding of the lunar world.
15th July: Achieving Orbit Elevation
The journey commenced with remarkable precision. On July 15, 2023, ISRO accomplished the first in a series of orbit-raising maneuvers for the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. These maneuvers, including subsequent ones on July 17, 18, and 25, elevated the spacecraft’s trajectory and set the stage for a critical phase of its lunar trajectory.
August 1: Bound for Lunar Exploration
Following meticulous planning and meticulous maneuvering, Chandrayaan-3 concluded its orbits around Earth and entered a trajectory aimed at the Moon. A pivotal manoeuvre on August 1 propelled the spacecraft from Earth’s orbit, embarking on its voyage to the lunar domain.
August 5: Embracing the Lunar Orbit
The crowning achievement came on August 5 when Chandrayaan-3 was skillfully inserted into lunar orbit. With precision and expertise, a retro-burning manoeuvre at the Perilune was executed from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) in Bengaluru’s ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network).
August 6 to 9: Navigating Lunar Orbit
The mission’s momentum continued to build with two successful orbit reduction manoeuvres around the Moon on August 6 and 9. During the latter manoeuvre, a carefully executed retro firing of engines brought the spacecraft closer to the Moon’s surface, positioning it at 174 km x 1437 km.
August 14: Circular Path of Discovery
As the journey progressed, Chandrayaan-3 initiated the orbit circulation phase on August 14. A precise manoeuvre on this day culminated in a near-circular orbit of 150 km x 177 km. A subsequent firing on August 16 refined the orbit to a planned 153 km x 163 km, marking the completion of lunar-bound maneuvers.
August 17: Farewell to the Propulsion Module
August 17 marked a poignant moment as the Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 separated from the Propulsion Module. This significant step paved the way for the lander and rover’s descent, with the Lander Module set to descend to a slightly lower orbit, preparing for the next phase.
August 18 to 20: Deboosting and Descent
Following the separation, the Vikram lander module underwent two successful deboosting operations on August 18 and 20. These operations meticulously aligned the module’s orbit to 25 km x 134 km. With internal checks completed, the powered descent phase is set to commence on August 23, 2023, at around 1745 Hrs. IST.
August 21: Communication Link Established
A breakthrough occurred on August 21 as ISRO announced the establishment of a two-way communication link between Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Module and the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. This pivotal step facilitated enhanced communication routes between the two modules.
The Final Countdown
With all preparations meticulously executed, ISRO announced its readiness to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) for Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module (LM). As anticipation mounted, the world awaited the culmination of years of dedication and expertise.
August 23: A Lunar Touchdown for the Ages
At precisely 6:04 pm on August 23, 2023, history was etched in the lunar surface. In a feat that echoed across the cosmos, the Vikram lander module softly landed on the lunar terrain after a 41-day journey that included the much-discussed ’15 minutes of terror.’ India’s footprint marked the lunar south pole, a region laden with enigmas waiting to be unravelled. The words “India, I reached my destination and you too!” echoed as Chandrayaan-3 achieved a soft lunar landing, igniting a chorus of congratulatory salutations.
Purpose and Objectives
Chandrayaan 3’s primary focus is a precise soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole. This region has garnered significant attention due to potential water ice deposits, holding promise as a valuable resource for future lunar missions and beyond.
The objectives of Chandrayaan-3’s mission are:
- To show Safe and Soft Landing on the Surface of the Moon
- To showcase roving lunar rover technology
- To carry out in-situ scientific research.
Benefits and Insights
The success of Chandrayaan 3 carries immense scientific potential. It offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of lunar geology, shed light on the Moon’s origin and evolution, and explore its potential as a platform for forthcoming space exploration missions.
Three Big Announcements On Succesful Landing Of Chandrayaan 3 Near Moon’s South Pole
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made 3 big announcements on Chandrayaan 3 successfully landing.
- 23 August declared as “National Space Day“
- The place where Chandrayaan 3 landed is named “Shiv Shakti Point”.
- The place where the footprints of Chandrayaan 2 were lying was named “Tiranga Point”.
Indian National Space Day
India gained another accomplishment on August 23, 2023, when Chandrayaan-3 made a successful soft landing on the moon. In honour of this outstanding accomplishment, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has proclaimed August 23 to be “Indian National Space Day”.
Read More: Vikram Land Rover: Pioneering Lunar Mobility on Chandrayaan 3
