Chandrayaan-3, India’s latest lunar exploration endeavor, is on the verge of making history with a soft landing on the moon’s surface on August 23. The anticipation surrounding this milestone achievement has captivated not only the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) but also millions of Indians across the nation. The event will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, allowing the entire nation to witness the event together.
Distinguished by a “failure-based design,” Chandrayaan-3 aims to avoid the setbacks encountered by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasized that this unique approach increases the mission’s chances of success. This design strategy accounts for a range of potential failures, including sensor, engine, algorithm, and calculation failures. The spacecraft has been programmed to handle various failure scenarios, ensuring a safe landing on the moon.
To enhance its prospects of a successful landing, Chandrayaan-3 boasts several enhancements. It is equipped with extra fuel, incorporates multiple safety precautions, and features an expanded landing area of 4km x 2.5km. This larger landing site offers more options for a safe touchdown in case of unexpected complications. Unlike its predecessor, the spacecraft won’t rely on calculations to determine its landing spot.
Chandrayaan-3’s journey commenced 37 days ago with its launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 14. The mission’s meticulous planning and advanced design set it on course to become the fourth nation globally to achieve a lunar soft landing, following the United States, Russia, and China. However, India’s achievement will be unparalleled as it will be the sole country to land on the moon’s southern pole.
As the countdown to the lunar landing approaches its climax, India stands on the cusp of a remarkable leap forward in space exploration.
