Introduction
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history
with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, its third lunar exploration
mission. The launch took place at 2:35 pm on Friday from the Satish Dhawan
Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. Chandrayaan-3, which means
‘moon craft’ in Sanskrit, embarked on its journey from the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre in India. This mission follows the previous Chandrayaan-2, and its goal
is to demonstrate various capabilities, including reaching the moon’s orbit,
achieving a soft landing on the lunar surface, and conducting surface studies
with a rover.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission Details
Lift-Off and Objectives
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO), successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to accomplish several
key objectives, including reaching the moon’s orbit, performing a soft landing
using a lander, and conducting surface studies with a rover.
First Orbit-Raising Manoeuvre
ISRO announced Chandrayaan-3 that the first orbit-raising
manoeuvre of the spacecraft was
successfully performed. The space agency stated
that the health of the spacecraft is normal. Currently, the spacecraft is in an
elliptical orbit, with its closest point to Earth at 173 km and the farthest
point at 41,762 km.
Ground Support and Collaboration
The Chandrayaan-3 mission involves collaboration with
various international space agencies, including partners from Europe,
Australia, and the United States. This collaboration aims to leverage the
expertise and resources of different countries for the success of the mission.
Streaming and Updates
To witness the Chandrayaan-3 launch live, you can watch the
streaming on ISRO’s official website and YouTube channel. For the latest
updates and news about the mission, you can stay tuned to ISRO’s official
channels.
Reactions and Excitement
The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 has generated
excitement and pride, not only within India but also among prominent figures in
the technology industry.
Silicon Valley’s Recognition
The prosperous launch of Chandrayaan-3 has filled leaders of
Indian-origin start-ups and major corporations in Silicon Valley with a sense
of pride. They view this successful lunar mission as a symbol of India’s rise
as a global leader in critical aspects of the technology industry.
Messages from Prominent Personalities
Prominent personalities from various fields, including
cricket and politics, have expressed their congratulations and appreciation for
the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3. Sachin Tendulkar, former cricketer,
tweeted, “ISRO’s payloads carry the dreams, pride, and belief of 1.4
billion Indians. Chandrayaan-3 launch swells all our hearts with pride.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah also
congratulated ISRO and expressed excitement about the discoveries and insights
that await on the lunar surface.
The Crucial Phase Ahead
The Chandrayaan-3 mission has entered a crucial phase that
will span 40 days. During this phase, the onboard thrusters will be fired to
propel the spacecraft further away from Earth, preparing for an eventful
landing on the Moon’s surface. Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, S
Unnikrishnan Nair, expressed confidence in the performance of the launch
vehicle and emphasized that the initial conditions required for the spacecraft
have been precisely provided.
Support from Space Agencies
Chandrayaan-3 has garnered support and collaboration from
various international space agencies, including counterparts from Europe,
Australia, and the United States. The mission aims to demonstrate new
technologies necessary for interplanetary spaceflight and achieve India’s first
soft landing on another celestial body. The lander module is equipped with
instruments to measure surface temperature and seismic activity, along with a
laser retroreflector provided by NASA. The rover’s instruments will investigate
the composition of the lunar surface material. Communication is crucial for
deep space missions, and ground stations on Earth will keep operators connected
to the spacecraft throughout its journey.
India’s Leading Role in Space Technology
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra
Singh, highlighted the significance of India’s lunar missions, stating that
they have propelled the country into a leading global position in space
technology. The Chandrayaan missions have provided findings that were not
obtained by previous lunar explorations. With the successful launch of
Chandrayaan-3, India continues to assert its presence and capabilities in the
space sector.
ISRO Chairman’s Sentiment
ISRO Chairman, S Somanath, expressed his deep affection and
connection with rockets, likening them to babies. He celebrated the Phase-I
launch of Chandrayaan-3, thoroughly examining the data and marveling at the
exquisite beauty of the rocket. The technically demanding soft landing on the
lunar surface, which Chandrayaan-2 couldn’t achieve, is scheduled for August 23
at 5:47 pm, according to the space agency.
Anticipation and Best Wishes
As Chandrayaan-3 embarks on its mission, numerous
individuals and organizations are eagerly waiting for its success. Former
scientists, cricket personalities, and citizens alike have extended their
congratulations and well-wishes to ISRO. Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist at
ISRO, expressed his hope for a successful mission and called upon everyone to
keep their fingers crossed as the journey unfolds.
Impact on Human Spaceflight Programme
The launch of Chandrayaan-3 has given a significant boost to
India’s first human spaceflight programme. The same launch vehicle, with its
‘human-rated’ capability, will be utilized for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission.
ISRO’s flagship project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by
sending a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for three days and
bringing them back safely to Earth.
Conclusion
The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 marks a remarkable
achievement for India’s space exploration endeavors. With its ambitious
objectives, international collaborations, and the support of countless
individuals, the mission represents a significant step forward for India’s
space technology. As Chandrayaan-3 continues its journey towards the Moon, the
world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the groundbreaking
discoveries and advancements that lie ahead.