Bengaluru: In the ongoing Chandrayaan-3 mission, the powered descent of the Lander Module is expected to commence on August 23 around 1745 hours, according to the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Lander Module would undergo internal checks and await sun-rise at the designated landing site on Moon, they said.
Chandrayaan-3 is the ISRO's follow-up attempt after the Chandrayaan-2 mission faced challenges during its soft landing on the lunar surface in 2019 and was eventually deemed to have failed its core mission objectives. The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, are safe and soft landing, rover roving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments. The approved cost of Chandrayaan-3 is Rs 250 crores (excluding launch vehicle cost).
Also Read: Chandrayaan-3 Lander inches further nearer to Moon after final deboosting success
Earlier today, the second and final deboosting operation was successful and the Lander moved further closer to Moon. On Friday, Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander underwent a crucial deboosting manoeuvre and descended to a slightly lower orbit, after successfully getting separated from the propulsion module the day before. The Lander Module (LM) health is normal.
Meanwhile, the Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander is named after Vikram Sarabhai (1919–1971), who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian space programme. ISRO is bidding to make a successful soft landing on the moon, which will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat after the United States, Russia, and China.
Moon serves as a repository of the Earth’s past and a successful lunar mission by India will help enhance life on Earth while also enabling it to explore the rest of the solar system and beyond. Historically, spacecraft missions to the Moon have primarily targeted the equatorial region due to its favourable terrain and operating conditions. However, the lunar south pole presents a vastly different and more challenging terrain compared to the equatorial region. (with agency inputs)
