Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh - The moment of anticipation has finally arrived as the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle soared triumphantly from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The scheduled launch time was strictly adhered to, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Embarking on its odyssey from Earth to the moon, the spacecraft anticipates a duration of approximately one month to reach its lunar destination. The much-anticipated landing is anticipated to occur on August 23. Upon touchdown, the spacecraft will engage in operations for a lunar day, which is tantamount to a span of approximately 14 Earth days. This intriguing phenomenon underscores the fascinating time disparity between the Moon and Earth, where a single lunar day spans a fortnight.
Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar expedition, is poised to cement the nation's status as the fourth country, following the United States, China, and Russia, to successfully land its spacecraft on the enigmatic lunar surface. This monumental achievement will undoubtedly demonstrate India's prowess in executing safe and delicate lunar landings.
Notably, Chandrayaan-3 emerges as the Indian Space Research Organisation's follow-up endeavor subsequent to the challenges encountered during the Chandrayaan-2 mission's soft landing on the lunar terrain in 2019. Regrettably, the previous mission failed to accomplish its primary objectives, leading to this remarkable follow-up initiative.
Upon completion of the orbit raising maneuvers, Chandrayaan-3 will be inserted into the Lunar Transfer Trajectory. Over the course of the upcoming weeks, the spacecraft will traverse a staggering distance of more than 300,000 kilometers to reach its celestial destination. Scientific instruments meticulously installed aboard the spacecraft will zealously study the lunar landscape, unraveling its mysteries and expanding our scientific knowledge.
Chandrayaan-3 showcases a comprehensive assemblage of cutting-edge components, comprising a lander, a rover, and a propulsion module. With a substantial weight of approximately 3,900 kilograms, the spacecraft stands prepared for its audacious lunar expedition.
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