- Chandrayaan-3:
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
It will be launched onboard a Launch Vehicle Mark 3 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Cost of the mission: Rs 615 crore
Duration: The mission is only meant to last for a half lunar day, which is roughly equal to 14 Earth days.
In a remarkable stride towards space exploration, India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), launched its Chandrayaan 3 mission to the Moon. Building upon the successes and lessons learned from previous missions, Chandrayaan 3 marks India's ambitious endeavor to further understand our celestial neighbor and advance scientific research.
Destination: The Lunar Surface
Chandrayaan 3 was specifically sent to explore the Moon. India has a notable history with lunar missions, starting with Chandrayaan 1 in 2008 and followed by Chandrayaan 2 in 2019. The Chandrayaan series aims to uncover mysteries of the Moon, including its composition, surface features, and possible resources.
Objectives of Chandrayaan 3
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan 3 align with scientific exploration and technological advancement:
Surface Exploration: Chandrayaan 3 is designed to land on the lunar surface, specifically targeting the South Pole region. This area is of particular interest due to its unique geological features and potential water ice deposits.
Scientific Research: The mission includes scientific instruments and payloads aimed at studying lunar geology, mineralogy, and the presence of water molecules. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the Moon's origin and evolution.
Technological Advancements: Beyond scientific goals, Chandrayaan 3 serves as a platform to advance India's technological capabilities in space exploration. This includes enhancing landing technologies, navigation systems, and communication protocols critical for future deep space missions.
International Collaboration: ISRO's missions have also fostered international collaboration, with Chandrayaan 2 notably carrying payloads from NASA and other international partners. Such partnerships amplify the scientific output and broaden the scope of lunar exploration.
The Path Ahead
Chandrayaan 3 represents India's commitment to expanding its footprint in space exploration. As the mission unfolds, scientists and engineers at ISRO continue to monitor and analyze data received from the lunar surface. Each mission builds upon the success of its predecessors, contributing to global knowledge and pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.
In conclusion, Chandrayaan 3 exemplifies India's scientific and technological prowess on the global stage. It stands as a testament to the country's dedication to advancing space exploration and unraveling the mysteries of our celestial neighbor, the Moon. As data continues to be gathered and analyzed, Chandrayaan 3 paves the way for future missions and collaborations, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers worldwide.