India’s Moon mission Chandrayan 3 created history by successfully landing on the lunar surface earlier today at 18:04 IST.

• • Launch: The Chandrayan 3 mission was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India.

• • Orbit: The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on August 20, 2023.

• • Landing: Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover landed on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023 at 18:02 IST.

• • Mission objectives: Main objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are to:
    • • Demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
    • • Demonstrate the rover’s ability to move on the moon.
    • • Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

• • Scientific experiments: chandrayan 3 mission will conduct various scientific experiments to study the moon’s geology, history, and potential for resources. These experiments include:
    • • Studying the chemical and elemental composition of the lunar soil and rocks.
    • • Studying the moon’s atmosphere and dust.
    • • Searching for water ice in the lunar south pole region.

• • Mission duration: chandrayan 3 mission is expected to last for one year.

• • Status: 

• • On August 23, 2023, Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover successfully landed on the Moon’s surface. It was a major milestone for India’s space program and a significant contribution to the global scientific endeavour.

• • Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover are currently exploring the South Pole region of the Moon. The mission is expected to last for one year.

• The chandrayan 3 mission has collected abundant data about the geology, history and resource potential of the Moon. This data is being shared with the international scientific community and will help us understand our solar system better.

• • Terrain-hopping rover: The standout feature of the mission is its rover, which is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and instruments. Differentiating itself from its predecessor, this rover can efficiently ‘leap’ over obstacles using a unique mechanism, enabling it to navigate challenging lunar landscapes and explore previously untouched areas.
  • Lunar polar shadow: Chandrayaan-3 strategically targets a specific site near the south pole, where sunlight is scarce, resulting in permanently shadowed craters. These shadowy regions hold promising deposits of water ice, providing important insights into lunar history and setting the stage for future human missions.
  • Miniaturized Instruments: In a remarkable achievement, scientists have created miniature instruments to comply with the payload constraints of the lander without compromising functionality. This achievement not only enhances the efficiency of the mission but also lays the groundwork for future compact and effective space exploration.
  • Technology Advancements: Chandrayaan-3 boldly pushes the boundaries of Indian space technology. With its indigenous cryogenic engine, enhanced landing algorithms, and cutting-edge thermal management systems, the mission represents significant strides for future deep-space endeavors.
  • International Collaboration: Chandrayaan-3 embraces collaboration with international partners, including France and Germany, contributing to shared instruments and scientific investigations. This global cooperation not only facilitates knowledge exchange but also opens doors for future collaborative lunar missions.”

Here’s a comparison of the cost of the Chandrayaan-3 mission with other lunar missions in US dollars:

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major success for India’s space program and a significant contribution to the global scientific endeavour. The mission has collected an abundance of data about the Moon’s geology, history and resource potential. This data is being shared with the international scientific community and will help us understand our solar system better.

Chandrayaan 3 is special because it is part of India’s effort to explore space and learn new things. It’s somewhat like a puzzle — scientists are trying to put together all the pieces of information they’ve collected to learn more about the Moon and the universe beyond.

This mission is also inspiring because it shows us how amazing science and technology can be. It’s like a big science project where many smart people are working together to achieve something really cool. So, while you are reading, just remember that Chandrayaan 3 is a space adventure that India is sending to the Moon to discover new things and make us all proud!

Bonus Fact :  The rover carries a memento – a symbolic tribute to Chandrayaan-2’s lander Vikram, which faced a hard landing. This tribute symbolizes India’s spirit of perseverance and learning from challenges.

Keep in mind, these are just a glimpse of the captivating details. As the mission unfolds, a plethora of enthralling discoveries and technological marvels are poised to emerge!

chandrayan 3