New Delhi, July 12, 2023 – India’s Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3, on July 14, 2023, at 2.35 p.m. The mission will demonstrate end-to-end capability for safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
The Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM 3, a.k.a. GSLV Mk III) will carry a lander attached to a propulsion module, which will carry the lander to a circular orbit around the Moon. The lander will then descend to the surface and deploy a rover, along with other scientific equipment.
ISRO’s previous lunar missions, Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2, achieved significant scientific objectives, including the discovery of water molecules on the Moon. Chandrayaan 3 aims to continue this legacy by studying the chemical composition of the lunar surface, local seismic activity, and plasma concentration, among other features.
In addition to its lunar studies, Chandrayaan 3 will also carry a payload called ‘Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth’ (SHAPE), which will track radiation from Earth to help identify the signatures of life. This information can be used in future missions to search for signs of life on habitable exoplanets.
ISRO’s Chandrayaan missions have attracted talented youth from the best institutions in the country and have received accolades from the international community. With Chandrayaan 3, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and inspire future generations of scientists.
