As India’s eagerly awaited Chandrayaan-3 mission approaches its scheduled landing on August 23, 2023, an ISRO scientist has revealed that the landing might be postponed to August 27 if certain conditions are not favorable. Nilesh M Desai, director of Space Applications Centre-ISRO, emphasized that the decision regarding the landing date would hinge on the health of the lander module and the lunar conditions.
The scientist explained, “On August 23, two hours before Chandrayaan-3 lands on the Moon, we will decide on whether or not it will be appropriate to land it at that time based on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the Moon. In case, if any factor appears to be not favorable, then we will land the module on the Moon on August 27. No problem should occur, and we will be able to land the module on August 23.”
ISRO Chairman and Secretary Department of Space S Somanath informed Union Minister Jitendra Singh of the readiness and status of ‘Chandrayaan-3’ during a meeting in New Delhi. Somanath assured that all systems are functioning well, and no contingencies are foreseen.
Chandrayaan-3’s primary objectives include demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover roving on the Moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments. With the launch planned for 2021, the mission was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, is set to follow in the footsteps of Chandrayaan-1’s successes. Chandrayaan-1 was credited with discovering water on the Moon’s surface, which fascinated premier space agencies worldwide.
As Chandrayaan-3 approaches its landing, former ISRO director K Sivan expressed confidence in its success, noting that “this time it will be a grand success.” He affirmed that the mission involves indigenous systems and has been improved based on Chandrayaan-2’s data.
Chandrayaan-3’s development commenced in January 2020, with the mission’s cost approved at ₹250 crores (excluding launch vehicle expenses). The lander module is named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.
Sources By Agencies
