Chandrayaan-3 Mission updates: In an impressive display of India’s advancing prowess in space and technology, the nation achieved a remarkable feat on Wednesday by sending Chandrayaan-3 on moon. A successful spacecraft landing took place near the Moon’s south pole, an area of great scientific interest due to its potential reserves of frozen water and valuable elements.
The achievement was celebrated as a major milestone, with a Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram containing a rover safely touching down on the lunar surface on 23 August at precisely 6:04 AM local time. The event was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the dedicated ISRO space scientists gathered in Bengaluru, India.
Chandrayaan-3 mission: Last minute landing moment
23 August, Wednesday held its breath as the lander, named Vikram in honor of ISRO founder Vikram Sarabhai, embarked on a nerve-wracking descent. Safely nestled within Vikram was the 26kg rover, aptly named Pragyaan (meaning wisdom in Sanskrit).
Gradually, the lander’s speed went from a blazing 1.68km per second to nearly zero, allowing for a gentle touchdown on the moon’s surface.
After a few hours – once the dust has settled, as scientists put it – the six-wheeled rover will emerge from Vikram’s ‘belly’ and begin its exploration. Traversing the lunar terrain, it will capture vital data and images to be transmitted back to Earth.
India become first to land on lunar south pole
After a previous attempt that fell short almost four years ago, India has now etched its name in history by becoming the first country to successfully land a spacecraft in the relatively unexplored region of the moon’s south pole. This accomplishment puts India in the distinguished club of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, as one of the few nations to achieve a successful moon landing.
PM Modi cheered for every Indian and the space scientists, recognizing their fantastic achievement.” He mentioned that this day will be remembered by India forever.”
Biggest challenge was soft landing
The Chandrayaan-3 mission faced its biggest challenge during the last part of the landing. About 20 minutes before landing, ISRO activated the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). This allowed the Vikram LM to take control and use its built-in computers and logic to find a good spot and gently land on the Moon.
Experts emphasize that the last 15 to 20 minutes were extremely important for the mission’s success as the Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander descended for a soft landing. People all over India and around the world were hoping and praying for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 today.
What’s Next for India’s Lunar Mission?
Image Source: ISRO
The mission’s prime objective is to locate frozen water resources, pivotal for potential Moon settlements. This water could also serve as fuel for spacecraft voyaging to distant realms, including Mars. Scientists spotlight the vast, permanently shadowed regions that likely contain substantial ice deposits.
The lander and rover transport five scientific tools to delve into lunar surface traits, nearby atmosphere, and sub-surface tectonic activity.
A unique touch: The rover boasts an Indian flag and Isro’s emblem on its wheels, designed to imprint on the Moon’s surface during its exploratory journey.
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