The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday, July 14. The mission follows Chandrayaan-2, which unfortunately did not go as planned, but this time the ISRO is hopeful for a successful outcome.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to demonstrate various capabilities, including reaching the orbit of the Moon, making a soft-landing on the lunar surface using a lander, and a rover coming out of the lander to study the surface of the Moon. Sixteen minutes after lift-off, the propulsion module successfully separated from the rocket and will orbit the Earth for about 5-6 times in an elliptical cycle with 170 km closest and 36,500 km farthest from Earth, before moving towards the lunar orbit.
This mission is an essential step towards developing India’s capabilities in space exploration and advancing our understanding of the Moon’s geology and resources. The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 is a significant achievement for ISRO and India’s space program, making it the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the Moon.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is also expected to pave the way for future lunar missions, including crewed missions to the Moon. The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to exploring new frontiers in space.
Overall, the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 is a momentous event for India and the global space community, and we can look forward to exciting discoveries and advancements in space exploration in the years to come.
Here’s a table comparing ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) based on various factors:
| Factor | ISRO | NASA |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1969 | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Annual budget (approx.) | INR 13,949 crore (USD 1.9 billion) | USD 25.2 billion (fiscal year 2022) |
| Missions | Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission | Apollo Moon missions, Mars rovers, Voyager |
| Crewed missions | None | Apollo Moon missions, Space Shuttle |
| Launch vehicles | PSLV, GSLV | Falcon 9, Atlas V, Delta IV, Space Launch System |
| Current focus areas | Moon, Mars, satellites | Moon, Mars, International Space Station |
It’s worth noting that this is a simplified comparison and both agencies have unique strengths and achievements.
You can watch
Distinguishing India’s Chandrayaan-3 Endeavor from Russia’s Luna-25 Quest, as Expounded by an ISRO Scholar
Q: What is the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A: Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission follows Chandrayaan-2, which aimed to explore the Moon’s south polar region but unfortunately did not go as planned.
Q: What are the objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A: The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to demonstrate various capabilities, including reaching the orbit of the Moon, making a soft-landing on the lunar surface using a lander, and a rover coming out of the lander to study the surface of the Moon.
Q: When was the Chandrayaan-3 mission launched?
A: The Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully launched on Friday, July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Q: What is the significance of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A: The Chandrayaan-3 mission is an essential step towards developing India’s capabilities in space exploration and advancing our understanding of the Moon’s geology and resources. It is also expected to pave the way for future lunar missions, including crewed missions to the Moon.
Q: Has India landed on the Moon before?
A: Yes, India has landed on the Moon before. In 2008, the ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which included an orbiter and an impactor. The mission discovered water molecules on the Moon’s surface and provided valuable data on the Moon’s topography and mineralogy.
Q: What are the challenges of landing on the Moon?
A: Landing on the Moon is a complex process that involves navigating through the Moon’s gravitational field and avoiding obstacles on the lunar surface. The landing must be precise and gentle to avoid damaging the spacecraft, and the rover must be able to withstand the harsh lunar environment.
Q: Where can I watch updates on the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
A: You can watch updates on the Chandrayaan-3 mission on ISRO’s official website and YouTube channel.