Chandrayaan 3 lunar landing date?

Chandrayaan-3: An Exciting Step Towards a Lunar Landing

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently achieved a major milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. This achievement brings India one step closer to achieving a robotic soft landing on the moon's surface, which is scheduled to take place on August 23. The launch, conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, saw the heavy lift LVM3 rocket carrying the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into orbit around the Earth.

Precisely at 14:35:17 hours, the LVM3 rocket took off, carrying a payload of 3,895 kg, including the spacecraft. The launch trajectory closely followed the scheduled stages for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The announcer at the mission control complex reported the successful cut-off of the cryo stage thrust and the achievement of satellite injection conditions during the final stage of the launch, which lasted approximately 16 minutes.

After a flight duration of 965 seconds, slightly less than the intended 969 seconds, the Chandrayaan-3 satellite separated from the rocket. As per the mission control data transmitted for viewing, the satellite has been successfully placed in its elliptical parking orbit. Mission director S Mohana Kumar announced the mission's success, stating that the LVM3/Chandrayaan mission accomplished precise satellite injection conditions.

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ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed his congratulations, stating, "Chandrayaan-3 has started its journey towards the moon. Our dear LVM3 has already put Chandrayaan-3 into a precise orbit around the Earth." The spacecraft's intended orbit around the Earth is 170 km by 36,500 km, and it has been successfully positioned there. The next phase will involve various orbit raising maneuvers to transfer the spacecraft into the moon's orbit by August 1. Subsequently, the lander module will separate from its propulsion module and gradually reduce its orbital distance around the moon to 100 km. Finally, on August 23, the lander will make a powered descent to the lunar surface.

During the previous Chandrayaan-2 mission, the powered descent phase encountered difficulties, leading to an unsuccessful landing attempt. This time, the ISRO aims to achieve a successful soft landing, which would mark a significant achievement for India and place it among the elite group of countries that have accomplished such a feat, including the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed their congratulations and best wishes to the ISRO team, acknowledging the nation's commitment to advancing space science and technology.

Project director P Veeramuthuvel expressed his satisfaction with the launch, describing it as close to perfect. He confirmed that all spacecraft parameters, including power generation and the propulsion and lander modules, are normal. The team will monitor and control the spacecraft from the ISTRAC Bengaluru facility during its journey to the moon.

Looking ahead, the Chandrayaan-3 mission involves critical maneuvers such as earthbound maneuvers, lunar orbit insertion, lander separation, deboost maneuvers, and the final powered descent phase for a soft landing. These stages will be closely monitored and controlled by the ISRO team.

ISRO Chairman Somanath outlined the schedule for the upcoming phases, mentioning that the translunar injection of Chandrayaan-3 is planned for August 1, followed by a proposed soft landing on August 23 at 5:47 pm IST. However, it is important to note that these dates are subject to successful execution and alignment with the mission plan.

The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 demonstrates India's dedication to exploring the wonders of space. With each mission, India advances further in its space odyssey, elevating the dreams and ambitions of its people. The nation eagerly awaits the upcoming milestones and eagerly supports the ISRO team in their pursuit of scientific and technological excellence.

FAQs:

Q: What is the Chandrayaan-3 mission? 

A: Chandrayaan-3 is a space mission conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with the goal of achieving a robotic soft landing on the moon's surface.

Q: When was the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft launched?

 A: The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Q: What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3? 

A: Chandrayaan-3 represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts, aiming to achieve a soft landing on the moon's surface. If successful, India will join a select group of nations that have accomplished this feat.

Q: What happened during the Chandrayaan-2 mission? 

A: During the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the powered descent phase encountered difficulties, resulting in an unsuccessful landing attempt.

Q: What are the key phases of the Chandrayaan-3 mission? 

A: The Chandrayaan-3 mission involves various phases, including orbit-raising maneuvers, lunar orbit insertion, lander separation, deboost maneuvers, and the final powered descent phase for a soft landing on the moon.

Q: Which countries have achieved a soft landing on the moon before? 

A: The United States, China, and the former Soviet Union are among the countries that have achieved a soft landing on the moon's surface.

Q: What are the future plans for the Chandrayaan-3 mission? 

A: Following successful placement in an elliptical orbit around the Earth, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will undergo orbit-raising maneuvers to transfer it into the moon's orbit. The final objective is a powered descent and soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23, 2023.