Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon

 Congratulations to all

I reached my destination and you too!':said by ISRO 

India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing the Lander Module of its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, on the Moon. This achievement also marks India as the first country to accomplish a landing near the Moon's southern pole. At precisely 6.03 p.m., the lander made contact with the lunar surface, sparking jubilant celebrations at the Mission Operations Complex in Bengaluru's ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC). In the coming hours, the Lander is set to release the Rover, which will conduct on-site chemical analysis as it moves across the lunar terrain. The Lander and Rover, designed to operate for one Lunar day (equal to 14 Earth days), carry scientific instruments for conducting experiments on the Moon's surface. This achievement fills Indians with pride as history is made, and heartfelt congratulations go out to all the dedicated scientists at ISRO.

Photo credit:ISRO

Credit: ISRO

✨✨✨The Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 provided evidence of water presence on the Moon. Following this, the Chandrayaan-2 mission of 2019 effectively positioned an operational orbiter around the Moon. Chandrayaan-3's upcoming venture to explore the uncharted expanse of the Moon's South Pole has the potential to open doors for novel international cooperation in the realm of space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Live Landing Coverage and Schedule Details

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, with an estimated cost of 6 billion rupees (approximately $73 million), is anticipated to achieve its landing at 8:34 a.m. EDT (1:34 p.m. GMT, or 6:04 p.m. in India). This timing was previously communicated by ISRO, though the actual touchdown moment could vary based on mission progress.

To witness the event live, you can tune in to ISRO's YouTube channel. The live broadcast will commence at 7:50 a.m. EDT (12:50 p.m. GMT, or 5:20 p.m. in India). Keep in mind that the mission's status may evolve, impacting the exact schedule.

 Here are 10 intriguing facts about this groundbreaking venture:

1. A Follow-Up Mission:Chandrayaan-3 succeeds Chandrayaan-2, with a focus on a safe lunar landing and surface exploration. Unlike its predecessor, it includes a lander and a rover to be launched via the LVM3 rocket from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

2. Bahubali Rocket: The GSLV Mark 3, nicknamed the Bahubali rocket, carries the moon lander Vikram. Standing at 43.5 meters, this rocket will guide the spacecraft to the moon's surface, with a scheduled touchdown on August 23 after a journey of over 40 days.

3. Historic Precedents: In 2008, India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, discovered water molecules on the moon's surface, causing global astonishment. Chandrayaan-3 builds on this legacy with even more ambitious goals.

4. Launch and South Pole Landing: Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, the mission will target the Moon's South Pole, where water molecules were previously detected by Chandrayaan-1.

5. Enhanced Reliability:Chandrayaan-3 has undergone significant modifications to enhance reliability. The craft comprises the Vikram lander, named after Vikram Sarabhai, the Pragyan rover, and a propulsion module. Vikram carries more fuel for a successful landing this time.

6. Total Weight: Collectively weighing 3,900 kg, including the 2,148 kg propulsion module and the 1,752 kg lander and rover, Chandrayaan-3's total weight nears the GSLV Mk III's maximum capacity.

7. Pragyan Rover: The solar-powered Pragyan rover, released from Vikram, will explore the lunar surface for approximately 14 Earth days, carrying two spectrometers to analyze the Moon's composition.

8. Vikram's Scientific Instruments:Vikram Lander is equipped with four scientific instruments. These include a seismometer to detect moonquakes, a device to study heat movement, one to analyze the plasma environment, and a retroreflector for gravitational interaction study.

9. Failure-Based Design:Unlike conventional success-oriented designs, Chandrayaan-3 embraces a failure-based design philosophy. Various failure scenarios were considered, ensuring a successful landing even in the face of component failures.

10. Global Lunar Missions:India's endeavor puts it among a select few nations aiming to achieve lunar landings. Notable countries with lunar landing attempts include the USSR, the US, China, and Israel. India's previous two missions were considered orbiters.

The lander and rover are equipped with:

• Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure surface temperature and thermal conductivity.

• Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) to detect moonquakes.

• A Langmuir Probe to estimate plasma density and variation in the moon's environment.

• A Laser Retroreflector Array (provided by NASA) for laser ranging to measure distances.

• Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) to analyze elements in lunar soil and rocks.

• Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) to study the chemical and elemental composition of the lunar surface.

Conclusion:

This expedition heralds a new chapter in India's space odyssey and promises to inspire generations to come.This remarkable mission not only advances India's scientific frontiers but also strengthens its position on the global stage of space exploration. Chandrayaan-3 embodies India's resolute spirit of exploration, discovery, and innovation.

FAQ:Chandrayaan-3

1. What is Chandrayaan-3?

Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar exploration mission, aiming to achieve a successful landing and surface exploration on the Moon.

2. When was Chandrayaan-3 launched?

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center.

3. What is the purpose of the Pragyan rover? 

The Pragyan rover is designed to explore the Moon's surface, equipped with spectrometers to analyze its composition.

4. How is Chandrayaan-3 different from Chandrayaan-2?

 
While both missions aim for lunar exploration, Chandrayaan-3 focuses on a successful landing and surface exploration, while Chandrayaan-2 involved an orbiter, lander, and rover.

5. Why did ISRO choose a failure-based design for Chandrayaan-3?

The failure-based design ensures a successful landing even in the event of component failures, enhancing mission reliability.

6. How long will Pragyan rover explore the lunar surface?
The Pragyan rover will explore the lunar surface for approximately 14 Earth days, equivalent to one lunar day of sunlight.

7. Which countries have attempted lunar landings?

Nations that have attempted lunar landings include the USSR, the US, China, and Israel. India's previous missions were considered orbiters.

8. What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3's mission?

Chandrayaan-3's mission is significant as it aims to achieve a successful lunar landing and surface exploration, further contributing to our understanding of the Moon's composition and geological history.

9. What is the primary objective of Vikram Lander's seismometer instrument?

The seismometer aims to detect moonquakes and seismic activity on the lunar surface, providing insights into the Moon's geology.

10.. How does the propulsion module assist in Chandrayaan-3's mission?

The propulsion module helps guide the spacecraft towards the Moon and supports the overall trajectory adjustments required for a successful landing.

5. Why is the South Pole of the Moon a targeted landing site?

The South Pole region is of particular interest due to its suspected water ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions. These deposits could have important implications for future lunar exploration.

6. What are some potential benefits of Chandrayaan-3's success?

Chandrayaan-3's success would not only bolster India's reputation in space exploration but also contribute to scientific knowledge about the Moon's geology, mineralogy, and potential resources.

7. What is the primary source of power for Pragyan rover?

The Pragyan rover is powered by solar energy, utilizing solar panels to generate electricity for its operations.

8. How do the Chandrayaan-3 mission's findings contribute to humanity's understanding of the universe?

The data gathered from Chandrayaan-3's mission could provide insights into lunar evolution, Earth-Moon interactions, and the history of our solar system.

9. What challenges did ISRO overcome in redesigning Chandrayaan-3?

ISRO addressed challenges related to the lander's communication, navigation, and propulsion systems to ensure a safe and successful landing.

10. How can the public engage with Chandrayaan-3's mission?

The public can follow live broadcasts of the mission's progress, access educational resources, and learn about the scientific objectives and accomplishments through various outreach efforts by ISRO.

11. Who is the director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?

P Veeramuthuvel took on the position of Project Director for Chandrayaan-3 in 2019. Prior to this role, he held the position of deputy director at ISRO's Space Infrastructure Programme Office. He was also a significant contributor to India's Chandrayaan-2 mission, the second installment in the country's ambitious lunar exploration series. Hailing from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, Veeramuthuvel is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M).

12.Will Chandrayaan-3 land on 27 August?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has informed that the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, initially scheduled for August 23, might be postponed to August 27 if all conditions are not favorable. 

13.At what time Chandrayaan-3 will land?

Chandrayan-3 will land  at 8:34 a.m. EDT (1:34 p.m. GMT, or 6:04 p.m. in India). This timing was previously communicated by ISRO, though the actual touchdown moment could vary based on mission progress.