The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the country’s most ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission today at 2.35 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
According to ISRO scientists, approximately 16 minutes after takeoff, the propulsion module will gracefully detach from the rocket, embarking on a mesmerizing elliptical orbit around the Earth. During this captivating journey, it will complete 5-6 rotations, reaching as close as 170 km and as far as 36,500 km from our planet, gradually heading towards the lunar orbit.
Packed with cutting-edge technology and a burning desire to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, India is poised to join an elite group of nations. The scientific community and Indians worldwide are holding their breath, hoping for a triumphant outcome.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for this ambitious endeavor, as success would propel India into an exclusive league of nations that have accomplished a soft landing on the Moon. Currently, the distinguished roster includes the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China. While the US and Soviet Union underwent numerous attempts before their triumphs, China achieved this remarkable feat on its maiden mission.
India’s previous attempt, Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, fell agonizingly short of its objective. The mission’s lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyaan, tragically crashed on the lunar surface during the final descent on September 7. Undeterred by setbacks, India now stands on the precipice of rewriting history and realizing its lunar dreams with Chandrayaan-3.
To witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand, viewers can tune in to the live streaming of the launch on ISRO’s official website and YouTube channel. The excitement has been building up since the 26-hour countdown commenced on Thursday at 1:05 pm. Chandrayaan-3 comprises a remarkable indigenous lander module, a propulsion module, and a rover, all working harmoniously to achieve the mission’s goals and unlock new frontiers in interplanetary exploration.
