Chandrayaan-3: India’s Mission to Soft-Land on the Moon’s South Pole

The Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission, launched with the objective of a soft landing on the moon's south pole. The spacecraft, weighing 3,900 kg, consists of a lander, a rover, and a propulsion module. It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center on July 14, 2023, and is expected to reach the moon on August 23. The mission's primary objectives are a safe and soft landing, exhibiting rover capabilities, and conducting scientific observations. The rover, weighing 26 kg, is designed to communicate with the lander and the ground control team in India. Also, it is equipped to study lunar composition, detect the presence of water ice, and investigate the moon's evolution. The Chandrayaan-3 mission had an allocated budget of Rs. 615 crore.

Important Points to  remember:

  1. Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission, intending to achieve a soft landing on the Lunar South Pole.
  2. The spacecraft was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  3. The mission comprises a safe and soft landing, showcasing rover capabilities, and conducting in-site scientific observations.
  4. The rover is equipped with cameras, spectrometers, and a drill for conducting scientific experiments.
  5. Chandrayaan-3 incorporates several safety measures and reliability enhancements compared to its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2.