ISRO has officially confirmed the completion of the mission readiness review for the forthcoming Chandrayaan 3 launch. And has obtained the requisite authorization for liftoff. The countdown is set to commence on July 13, and ISRO plans to stream the launch live on various social media platforms. This announcement comes following a successful rehearsal of the launch, which simulated prelaunch activities.
Scheduled for July 14, the Chandrayaan 3 launch has received the green light after the mission readiness review. The countdown process, estimated to last slightly over a day, will commence in the afternoon of July 13. The Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), previously referred to as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). It is scheduled for launch at 14:35 IST on July 14. The launch proceedings will be aired on DD National starting at 14:00 IST.
Chandrayaan 3 represents ISRO’s second attempt to showcase the capabilities of a soft landing on the Moon. In the previous Chandrayaan 2 mission, the lander component, unfortunately, crashed into the lunar surface on September 6, 2019. ISRO has implemented several improvements for Chandrayaan 3 to enhance the chances of a successful landing. These include reducing the number of retro thrusters on the landing craft from five to four, resulting in a more stable configuration. Additionally, the lander now possesses the capability to land over a broader area on the lunar surface. These enhancements incorporate fail-safe measures to improve the overall mission’s success rate.
However, the launch is just the initial step in Chandrayaan 3’s extensive journey to the Moon. The spacecraft will undergo five Earth-bound manoeuvres (EBNs), orbiting the Earth and progressively increasing its altitude each time. Once these manoeuvres are complete, Chandrayaan 3 will enter the lunar transfer trajectory, escape the Earth’s gravity, and eventually enter orbit around the Moon. Once in lunar orbit, the spacecraft will execute a series of deboosting manoeuvres to reduce its altitude over the Moon gradually.
By India’s 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 is expected to achieve a circular lunar orbit, with the actual lunar orbit insertion projected to take place on August 5. Subsequently, the spacecraft will spend approximately two weeks in lunar orbit, awaiting the opportune moment for landing, determined by the lunar day. ISRO may opt for an early landing opportunity on August 23 or 24, or alternatively, wait for the next lunar day in September. ISRO has taken measures to ensure ample fuel reserves onboard the spacecraft, offering flexibility in mission planning and execution.