Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s successful Moon landing its live update and its historic achievement, advancing global space capabilities. Learn about its groundbreaking significance and scientific missions in this concise overview.
Chandrayaan-3 Makes Historic Moon Landing: Exciting Updates
Indian Spacecraft Successfully Lands on Moon’s Surface
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable feat as the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft executed a gentle landing on the Moon’s surface on Wednesday evening. The Vikram lander of the spacecraft made this soft landing at 6.04 PM (IST), marking a significant achievement after the Chandrayaan-2’s unfortunate crash-landing four years ago.
India’s Landmark Achievement: First Soft Moon Landing in Uncharted Territory
Creating History with Successful Moon Landing
India has now become the pioneer country to accomplish a spacecraft landing in unexplored terrain close to the Moon’s south pole. This accomplishment makes India the fourth nation in the world, after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, to carry out a successful soft landing on the Moon.
Initiating Lunar Science Observations: The Chandrayaan-3 Mission Begins
Exploring the Moon’s Surface for 14 Days
Following the Vikram lander’s successful landing and a thorough assessment of its condition by ISRO, the lunar surface settled, and the Pragyan rover started its journey from the lander. This marks the commencement of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s 14-day phase of scientific observations.
Expert’s Perspective: India’s Technological Leadership
Former ISRO Chairman’s Remark on India’s Progress
K Kasturirangan, a celebrated former ISRO chairman who laid the groundwork for the Moon mission during his tenure, emphasized that Chandrayaan-3’s triumph highlights India’s cutting-edge space technology capabilities. He underlined the significance of this achievement, stating that India’s past limitations in various critical areas are now being permanently transformed with this successful Moon landing.
Scientific Objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Investigating Moon’s Surface and Properties
The lander carries four essential instruments for scientific exploration:
1. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA):** This instrument will study the Moon’s surface plasma.
2. Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE):** It will investigate the thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region.
3. Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA):** This instrument will measure lunar quakes, study the Moon’s crust, and analyze its mantle composition.
4. LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA):** Sent by NASA, this passive experiment will serve as a target for lasers, enabling precise measurements for future missions.
The rover carries two scientific experiments:
1. LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS):** It will analyze the chemical and mineral composition of the Moon’s surface.
2. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS):** This instrument will determine the chemical and mineral makeup of the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3: A Stepping Stone, Not the Destination
Significance of the Mission for India
The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a monumental moment in India’s history, solidifying its position as a space-faring nation. This achievement demonstrates India’s capability to perform a soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole, alongside only three other countries. The mission’s implications go beyond space matters and contribute to India’s global influence. Despite facing challenges, ISRO’s determination shines through, underscoring the agency’s resilience and commitment.
Rover’s Mission Begins: Collecting Lunar Data
Next Steps for Chandrayaan-3 Mission
The rover, a six-wheeled, 26-kg vehicle, rolled down from the Chandrayaan-3 lander and is now ready to explore the lunar surface. Equipped to cover distances of up to 500 meters, the rover will start its scientific exploration during the lunar day, which lasts for 14 Earth days. The payloads on the lander and rover will gather valuable data, contributing to lunar research and exploration.
Stay tuned to The Indian Kit for the latest news and articles from India. Get updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t miss out on the action!