The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Friday, July 14, at 2.35 PM IST, successfully blasted out Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The project, which is modelled after Chandrayaan-2, aims to demonstrate several capabilities, including reaching lunar orbit, performing a soft landing on the moon’s surface with a lander, and sending a rover out of the lander to explore the moon’s surface.
The propulsion module successfully detached from the rocket sixteen minutes after take-off and began an elliptical orbit of the earth, travelling 170 kilometres (km) in front of it and 36,500 kilometres (km) behind it on its way to the lunar orbit.
“#Chandrayaan-3 is a very important step…Landing this time is very important. Unless you land, you cannot take samples, you cannot land human beings, you cannot create moon bases. So, landing is one important step for further exploration,” ISRO chairman S Somnath said.
“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. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!,” PM Modi said.
The ISRO has already finished the “Launch Rehearsal,” which simulated the complete launch preparation and process. The Chandrayaan-2mission had difficulties during its soft landing on the lunar surface in 2019 and was ultimately determined to have failed its primary mission objectives. Chandrayaan-3 will be ISRO’s follow-up attempt.
India’s third lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, will make the country the fourth country after the US, China, and Russia to land a spacecraft on the moon’s surface and demonstrate its capability for a soft and safe lunar landing.
