Chandrayaan-2’s Ambitious Lunar Landing Mission Ends in Disappointment as Vikram Robotic Module’s Soft-Landing Attempt on Moon’s Surface Comes Up Short in 2019
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In an exciting development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission is poised to accomplish a significant feat – a soft landing on the moon. ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath, confirmed this news to reporters on Monday, revealing that the launch is scheduled for July 13, with a possibility of a slight delay until the 19th.
Chandrayaan-3 is a crucial follow-up mission to its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, designed to showcase India’s capabilities in achieving a safe landing and facilitating roving activities on the lunar surface. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the powerful Launch Vehicle Mark-III. The mission’s commencement is planned for 2:30 pm on July 13.
The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 will transport the lander and rover configuration until it reaches a lunar orbit of 100 km. This strategic approach ensures the mission’s efficiency and success in carrying out its objectives.
Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, aimed to map and study the variations in the lunar surface composition, as well as identify the presence and abundance of lunar water. However, the attempt to soft-land the robotic module named Vikram on the moon’s surface encountered a setback on September 7, 2019. A successful landing would have marked a historic milestone for India, as it would have been the world’s first lunar landing near the unexplored South Pole.
India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, launched on October 22, 2008, was a significant achievement for the nation’s indigenous space program. Over a span of two years, it conducted a comprehensive survey of the lunar surface, producing a complete map of its chemical composition and three-dimensional topography.
With Chandrayaan-3, India is poised to renew its pursuit of lunar exploration and cement its position in the global space community. The mission’s focus on safe landing and roving capabilities will contribute invaluable knowledge and open doors to further scientific advancements.
As the countdown begins, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this ambitious mission, which holds the potential to bring about groundbreaking discoveries and inspire future space endeavours.
