The countdown for the launch of India's third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, will begin on July 13 afternoon from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch is scheduled for 2:35 pm IST on July 14.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a follow-on to the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which successfully soft-landed on the Moon in September 2019. However, the lander Vikram lost contact with the ground station during its descent, and it crashed on the lunar surface.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission will attempt to soft-land on the Moon at the same site where Vikram crashed. The lander will be carrying a rover, which will be deployed to explore the lunar surface.
The countdown for the launch will begin at 12:00 pm IST on July 13. The launch vehicle, a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), will be assembled at the SDSC on July 12.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major undertaking for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the Moon's geology and history.
Preparations for the Launch
The ISRO has been making extensive preparations for the launch of Chandrayaan-3. The lander and rover have been thoroughly tested, and the GSLV Mk III has been undergoing a series of pre-launch checks.
The ISRO has also been working closely with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to ensure that the ground station network is ready for the launch. The NRSC has installed a new antenna at the SDSC to improve the reception of signals from the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The Launch Vehicle
The GSLV Mk III is a three-stage launch vehicle that is capable of placing a 4,000-kilogram payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The first stage of the GSLV Mk III is powered by two Vikas engines, while the second stage is powered by a single C25 engine. The third stage is powered by a single cryogenic engine.
The GSLV Mk III is the most powerful launch vehicle in India's fleet. It is capable of launching heavier payloads into orbit than any other Indian launch vehicle.
The Lander and Rover
The Chandrayaan-3 lander is called Vikram, and the rover is called Pragyan. Vikram is a 1,475-kilogram lander that is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments. The rover is a 60-kilogram rover that is equipped with a drill and a camera.
The Vikram lander is designed to soft-land on the Moon at the same site where Vikram crashed in 2019. The Pragyan rover will be deployed from the lander to explore the lunar surface.
The Mission Timeline
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is scheduled to launch on July 14 at 2:35 pm IST. The lander is expected to soft-land on the Moon on July 15. The rover will be deployed from the lander on July 16.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to last for one year. During this time, the lander and rover will collect data about the Moon's geology and history.
The Significance of the Mission
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major undertaking for the ISRO. The mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the Moon's geology and history. The mission will also help India to develop new technologies for future lunar missions.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant milestone for India's space program. The mission is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space exploration.
The Future of Lunar Exploration
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a stepping stone to future lunar exploration missions. The ISRO is planning to launch a series of lunar missions in the coming years. These missions will help India to learn more about the Moon and its history.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is also a major boost for international cooperation in lunar exploration. The ISRO is working with other space agencies, such as the European Space Agency and the Russian Space Agency, to explore the Moon.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a landmark event in the history of space exploration. The mission is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space exploration, and it is a major boost for international cooperation in lunar exploration.
