15th July, 2023: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Friday. ISRO launched India’s third lunar mission, at 2.35 p.m., using a GSLV Mark 3 heavy-lift launch vehicle named ‘Bahubali’ rocket.
After the previous mission, Chandrayaan-2, crashed during its landing attempt in 2019, this mission will aim to soft-land a rover on the Moon’s surface. The mission was streamed live on the ISRO’s website and social media.
The mission’s goal is to land softly on the lunar surface and investigate it with a rover, which the previous mission was unable to do. A successful soft landing would make India the fourth country to accomplish the feat, following the United States, Russia, and China. Following its launch into an orbit above the Earth at an altitude of 179 kilometres on Friday, the spacecraft will progressively boost its orbit in a series of moves to escape Earth’s gravity and slingshot towards the moon. After approaching the moon, the spacecraft must be grabbed by its gravity. When that happens, the lander, which contains the rover, will detach from the propulsion module and begin its controlled descent.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called the launch of the space mission “a proud moment” for the country and congratulated ISRO as well as its team of scientists “on creating a new chapter in space innovation by successfully launching the Chandrayaan-3”. “Proud moment for the whole nation! Heartiest congratulations to ISRO and the dedicated team of scientists on creating a new chapter in space innovation by successfully launching the Chandrayaan-3” said Nitin Gadkari on twitter.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too congratulated ISRO. He tweeted “Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of a every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!”
