Contents
Introduction
India’s space ambitions have always reached for the stars, and now they are aiming for the moon. With the launch of Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, the nation is not only making scientific strides but also inspiring millions. In this article, we’ll explore the details of this fascinating mission and Current Status of Chandrayaan 3 in detail.
Chandrayaan-3 Overview
Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Chandrayaan-3 comprises an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. Its main objectives include a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, operating a rover on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.
Chandrayaan-3: A Collaborative Effort
The mission is not just a point of pride for India; it represents international collaboration.
Role of International Agencies
ESA, ASA, and NASA have all contributed to the Chandrayaan-3. With their cooperation, India’s moon journey is a shared human achievement, strengthening the global science community.
Chandrayaan-3: The Journey So Far
The journey of Chandrayaan-3 has been a marvel of engineering and space science.
Launch and Initial Orbit
Chandrayaan-3 was launched on a GSLV Mk III rocket, reaching an elliptical orbit around Earth with a farthest point of about 45,000 km and a closest point of about 180 km.
Orbit-Raising and Translunar Journey
After five orbit-raising maneuvers, the spacecraft finally left Earth’s orbit on August 1, 2023. It is now headed to the Moon, with lunar orbit entry expected on August 5, 2023.
Chandrayaan-3: The Next Steps
Excitement and anticipation are building as Chandrayaan-3 prepares for the next stages of its journey.
Approach to the Moon
The spacecraft will lower its orbit gradually until reaching a circular orbit around the Moon, and then the lander and rover will begin their descent.
Landing Preparation
With a target landing site near the lunar south pole, the lander will use its advanced technology to navigate and perform a powered descent, expected on August 20, 2023.
Chandrayaan-3: The Science Objectives
Science is at the heart of this mission, with a series of complex instruments on board.
Lander, Rover, and Orbiter Instruments
The rover Pragyan will explore the lunar terrain, while the lander Vikram and the orbiter will conduct various experiments, providing a wealth of scientific data.
A Milestone for India
This mission is more than just a scientific endeavor; it is a symbol of national pride and global collaboration, reinforcing India’s place as a leading space-faring nation.
What is Current Status of Chandrayan 3?
Table for current status of Chandrayaan 3 journey date wise:
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2023 | Launch | Chandrayaan-3 was launched on a GSLV Mk III rocket from Sriharikota. |
| July 14 – August 1, 2023 | Earth orbit | Chandrayaan-3 performed five orbit-raising maneuvers to increase its apogee gradually. |
| August 1, 2023 | Translunar injection | Chandrayaan-3 left the Earth’s orbit and entered a translunar orbit. |
| August 5, 2023 | Lunar orbit insertion | Chandrayaan-3 entered a lunar orbit with an apolune of about 18,000 km and a perilune of about 100 km. |
| August 5 – August 20, 2023 | Lunar orbit lowering | Chandrayaan-3 lowered its orbit gradually until it reached a circular orbit of about 100 km altitude. |
| August 20, 2023 | Landing | The lander and rover separated from the orbiter and began their descent towards the lunar south pole. The lander performed a series of deboost maneuvers and a powered descent to touch down softly on the lunar surface. |
| August 20, 2023 onwards | Surface operations | The lander deployed its ramp and released the rover. The rover began exploring the lunar terrain and analyzing the chemical composition of the lunar soil and rocks. The lander measured the surface temperature, seismic activity, plasma environment, and precise distance around the landing site. |
| August 20, 2023 onwards | Orbital operations | The orbiter continued to orbit around the Moon for at least one year. It mapped the lunar surface, studied the lunar exosphere, monitored the solar activity, and tested the general relativity theory. |
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-3 is a celebration of human curiosity, technological prowess, and the spirit of collaboration. As India’s journey to the Moon continues, it reflects a vision for the future that transcends borders. The successful execution of this mission would not just be a milestone for India but a triumph for all of humanity.
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FAQs
- When was Chandrayaan-3 launched?
- Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14, 2023.
- What are the main objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
- The mission aims to perform a soft landing on the Moon, operate a rover, and conduct scientific experiments.
- Who are the international collaborators in the Chandrayaan-3 mission? The mission includes collaboration with ESA, ASA, and NASA.
- What are the scientific instruments on board Chandrayaan-3?
- The mission includes various instruments like APXS, LIBS on the rover, and several others on the lander and orbiter.
- When is the expected landing date of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon?
- Chandrayaan-3 is expected to land on the Moon on August 20, 2023.
