SRIKARIKOTA: Prepare yourselves as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sets its sights on the launch of Chandrayaan-3, the eagerly awaited successor to the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission. The ambitious launch is scheduled for July 14, with the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) propelling the spacecraft into space from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at precisely 2:35 pm IST. This upcoming mission aims to demonstrate ISRO's remarkable expertise in achieving a secure landing and successful rover exploration on the lunar surface.
ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 comprises three vital components: an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM), and a Rover. The Propulsion module bears the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, dedicated to the study of Earth's spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit.
The Lander module will house the following payloads, each contributing to the mission's scientific objectives: Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will skillfully measure the lunar surface's thermal conductivity and temperature.
Keeping an attentive ear on the lunar terrain, the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will diligently monitor seismicity around the designated landing site.
The Langmuir Probe (LP) will unravel plasma density and its intriguing variations.
An invaluable contribution from NASA, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array, will enable comprehensive lunar laser ranging studies.
The Rover module of Chandrayaan-3 will carry two pivotal payloads: the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS). Together, these advanced tools will facilitate the thorough analysis of the elemental composition within the vicinity of the landing site.
Chandrayaan-3 signifies yet another remarkable milestone in India's relentless pursuit of space exploration. Through this mission, India will reinforce its position as a pivotal player in the realm of space exploration and research.
The key objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission:
Demonstrating a safe and precise landing on the lunar surface, showcasing ISRO's engineering excellence.
Showcasing the rover's impressive capability to traverse and explore the diverse terrains of the Moon's surface.
Conducting in-situ scientific experiments to gather valuable data and acquire profound insights about the lunar environment.
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