India is gearing up for a historic moment in space exploration as it attempts a soft landing on the moon with Chandrayaan-3, scheduled for Wednesday, August 23. This achievement will make India the fourth country in the world, following the United States, USSR, and China, to successfully land on the lunar surface. Notably, India will be the only country to target a landing on the lunar south pole. It is safer to say that India has planned the mission keeping all shortcomings in mind.
Plan for a Second Attempt at Lunar Landing
This mission marks India’s second attempt at a lunar landing. However, there’s a contingency plan in place. If any issues arise with the lander module or lunar conditions, the landing will be postponed to August 27. This flexibility ensures a safe and successful mission. But what are the circumstances in which the landing will be delayed?
Landing Decision Based on Module Health and Lunar Conditions
The director of the Space Applications Centre-ISRO, Nilesh M Desai, emphasized that the decision regarding the landing date will be made just two hours before the scheduled landing. This decision will depend on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the moon. The goal is to ensure a smooth and trouble-free landing.
Latest Updates and Lunar Far Side Images
ISRO has been actively sharing updates on the mission’s progress. Recently, they released images of the lunar far side captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). The space agency expressed gratitude for the well-wishes and support from around the world and has assured India of its preparedness and action plan.
ISRO’s Assurance and Preparedness
ISRO Chairman and Secretary Department of Space S Somanath assured the Union Minister of State that Chandrayaan-3 is ready for its moon landing on August 23. He reported that all systems are functioning perfectly, and there are no expected contingencies for the landing. ISRO Chairman also complimented the lander’s resilience in earlier conversations.
Vikram Lander’s Resilience
S Somanath highlighted the resilience of the Vikram Lander during an earlier interaction. Even in the event of sensor failures or issues with two of its engines, Vikram has been designed to execute a soft landing. This design underscores ISRO’s commitment to a successful lunar mission.
With Chandrayaan-3, India is poised to make history and expand its presence in the realm of space exploration, showcasing both technological prowess and determination.
