Suspense Crime Sach Ka Dam
Exploring Chandrayaan 3 Landing: A Remarkable Day for India
The 23rd of August holds special significance not just for ISRO but for India as a whole. All eyes are on the Chandrayaan 3 mission. Just four years after the setback of Chandrayaan 2 in 2019, ISRO has unveiled Chandrayaan 3, showcasing a sense of determination rather than disappointment. Contrary to the belief that Chandrayaan 2 had failed to reach the lunar surface, it successfully completed an astonishing journey of 3.84 million kilometers, falling just shy of reaching the moon. Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan 3 opted for a hard landing instead of a soft one, showing ISRO’s persistence. Interestingly, NASA assisted in locating the Vikram lander. When Vikram lander neared the lunar surface, it playfully greeted the old Vikram with a “Welcome buddy.” Let’s delve into the events spanning from July 14th to August 23rd.
Unveiling the Launch Date
On July 14, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 embarked on its journey from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. After 40 days, preparations are underway for the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to descend upon the lunar surface. This feat was made possible by the LV-3 rocket.
Why Choose the 23rd of August?
The selection of August 23rd holds a fascinating rationale. The moon experiences 14 days of light followed by 14 days of darkness. The region where Vikram lander is to touch down, the southern pole of the moon, will be illuminated from August 23rd to September 5th. Utilizing solar energy, Vikram lander and Pragyan rover will initiate their operations, hence the choice of August 23rd.
The 40-Day Expedition
After a 40-day journey, Chandrayaan is ready for its final descent to the lunar south pole.
The Cost of Ambition
Curiosity about the mission’s expenses is only natural. The Chandrayaan 3 mission comes with a price tag of 615 crore rupees. Originally scheduled for launch in 2021, the pandemic-induced changes led to the launch taking place on July 14, 2023. Comparatively, Chandrayaan 2 cost 918 crore rupees.
The Landing Site: A Bold Choice
The question arises: where will Chandrayaan touch down? Chandrayaan 3 will land in the south pole region of the moon, a part that no nation has reached before. A successful landing here would establish India as a pioneering lunar nation.
Opting for the Lunar South Pole
The decision to target the lunar south pole is grounded in the fact that certain areas of the moon remain perpetually dark and experience extremely cold temperatures, making the south pole an intriguing destination.
Lunar Exploits: A Global Perspective
How many countries have made lunar achievements thus far? If India succeeds in achieving a soft landing, it will become the fourth nation to do so after the United States, Russia, and China. America conducted a series of soft landings on the moon between 1966 and 1972, involving Surveyor spacecraft and the Apollo program. Russia has achieved 8 successful soft landings, including the notable Luna series. While America landed Neil Armstrong on the moon, Russia never managed to land a cosmonaut.
From technological advancements to strategic decisions, the Chandrayaan 3 mission is poised to leave a profound impact on India’s space exploration journey.
