About our Chandrayaan-3 news
Latest news on Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, launched in July 2023. It consists of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, which are designed to explore the lunar south pole region, a largely uncharted area of scientific interest.
The mission aims to study the lunar surface, subsurface, and atmosphere, as well as the presence and distribution of water ice and other volatiles. It also seeks to demonstrate India's technological capabilities in soft landing and roving on the Moon.
The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on 5 August 2023, and performed a series of orbit maneuvers to lower its altitude and prepare for landing. On 23 August 2023, the lander separated from the orbiter and initiated a powered descent towards a landing site between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N. The lander successfully touched down at 12:33 UTC, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, and the first to do so near the south pole.
The lander deployed the rover shortly after landing, and both began their operations on the lunar surface. The rover has a planned lifespan of 14 days, during which it will cover a distance of up to 100 meters and collect images and data using its cameras and instruments. The lander has a similar lifespan, and will communicate with the rover and relay its data to the orbiter and Earth. The orbiter will continue to orbit the Moon for at least one year, providing support to the lander and rover, as well as conducting its own scientific observations.
Chandrayaan-3 is a historic achievement for India and a milestone for lunar exploration. It has opened up new possibilities for understanding the Moon's geology, climate, and resources, as well as paving the way for future human missions.