India’s Chandrayaan-3 to Attempt Historic Lunar Landing as Global Space Race Intensifies
Bengaluru, August 22,2023 : India’s national space agency, ISRO, is on the verge of a groundbreaking achievement as it prepares for the momentous lunar touchdown attempt of the “Pragathi Shankaravam” campaign by the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The endeavor is set to unfold tomorrow with anticipation building around the world.
The Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module (LM), consisting of the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, is poised to create history with a soft landing on the lunar surface. The target location is near the lunar south pole, a region of immense scientific interest yet largely unexplored.
Chandrayaan-3’s journey began on July 14 when it was launched aboard the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket. The mission is a crucial step for India’s aspirations to join the exclusive league of countries capable of soft-landing on the moon, following in the footsteps of the US, China, and the former Soviet Union.
As the anticipation mounts, ISRO has been meticulously fine-tuning the LM’s trajectory, ensuring that all systems are ready for the intricate maneuvers required for a safe landing. The operation has been aptly referred to as the “17 minutes of terror,” underscoring the complexity and precision of the process.
With the soft landing slated for tomorrow, ISRO’s dedicated teams at the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) are brimming with energy and commitment. A live telecast of the landing operations at MOX/ISTRAC will be available for viewers, beginning at 5:20 pm.
This mission not only exemplifies India’s technical prowess but also underscores its vision for exploration and discovery. As the world watches, Chandrayaan-3’s pursuit of the lunar south pole promises to unravel new mysteries and contribute to our understanding of Earth’s only natural satellite.
As the countdown culminates, ISRO stands poised to mark another significant milestone in India’s space odyssey, aligning with its relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and exploration.
