India’s ambitious space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for its highly anticipated Chandrayaan-3 mission, scheduled for launch at 2.35 pm on Friday from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. If successful, this mission will solidify India’s position as the fourth country, following the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve a remarkable feat – a soft landing on the lunar surface. Notably, this position has remained unoccupied since the unfortunate crash-landings of missions from Israel and India in 2019, as well as the failed attempts by Japan and the UAE in 2022. The spacecraft, on its journey from Earth to the Moon, is estimated to take approximately a month to reach its destination, with the anticipated landing date set for August 23.
Once it reaches the lunar surface, the spacecraft will begin its operations, expected to last for one lunar day, equivalent to around 14 Earth days. The mission aims to conduct an extensive analysis of the lunar soil, explore the moon’s surface with a rover, and record moonquakes, among other scientific objectives. To facilitate this significant endeavor, ISRO has chosen to launch the spacecraft using its powerful GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle. The LVM-3, standing at an impressive height of 43.5 meters with a diameter of 4 meters, weighs a substantial 640 tonnes at liftoff.
Renowned as the most robust launch vehicle in ISRO’s fleet, the LVM-3 has the capability to transport payloads weighing up to 8,000 kilograms to a low-Earth orbit. When embarking on missions to more distant destinations like the geostationary transfer orbit, it can carry approximately 4,000 kilograms of payload. Learning from the experiences of previous missions, ISRO has taken significant measures to ensure a successful landing, even in the face of potential component failures.
Thorough analysis of various scenarios, including sensor malfunction, engine breakdown, algorithmic glitches, and calculation errors, has led to the development of appropriate countermeasures. By implementing these robust measures, ISRO aims to mitigate risks and increase the likelihood of a triumphant soft landing. It is worth mentioning that during the Chandrayaan-2 mission, ISRO unfortunately lost contact with the lander when it was only moments away from touching down on the lunar surface. This setback has undoubtedly fueled the determination of ISRO scientists to rectify past mistakes and accomplish their goals with Chandrayaan-3.
The upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission not only showcases India’s burgeoning space exploration capabilities but also signifies the nation’s dedication to scientific advancement and pursuit of new frontiers. As the launch date approaches, excitement and anticipation build, with hopes pinned on ISRO’s successful endeavor to land on the Moon. The Indian space agency’s resolve, coupled with its meticulous planning and rigorous preparations, instills confidence that India will soon join the elite group of nations that have achieved the awe-inspiring feat of reaching and landing on the lunar surface.