India’s moon mission Chandrayaan-3 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lifted off from its launch pad at Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on Friday. ISRO scientists are aiming at mastering soft-landing on moon by late August.
Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission in the fourth operational mission (M4) of LVM3 launcher, formerly the GSLVMkIII rocket. LVM3-M4 dubbed as ‘Fat Boy’ lifted off successfully carrying Chandrayaan-3.
Chandrayaan-3 project director P. Veeramuthuvel and ISRO chief S.Somanath shared their delight after the LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launched it into orbit. “Chandrayaan-3, in its precise orbit, has begun its journey to the Moon. Health of the Spacecraft is normal,” said ISRO.
“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!” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the launch.
Ahead of the launch, PM Modi said that Chandrayaan-3 will carry the hopes and dreams of our nation. “Till Chandrayaan-1, the moon was believed to be a bone-dry, geologically inactive and uninhabitable celestial body while it is now seen as a dynamic and geologically active body with the presence of water and sub-surface ice,” said Modi in his tweet.
Maybe in the future, it can be potentially inhabited, he added. “14th July 2023 will always be etched in golden letters as far as India’s space sector is concerned. Chandrayaan-3, our third lunar mission, will embark on its journey,” he said in his tweet.
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow up to the second lunar mission. ISRO is aiming for a soft landing on the surface of the moon by late August. Its success would make India the fourth country to achieve the feat after the United States, China and erstwhile USSR.
Amid high security, thousands gathered from Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) to witness the launch. In every 100 metres security personnel was deployed on the road that leads to the entrance of SHAR in view of the milestone launch.
