ISRO Reschedules Chandrayaan-3 Launch to July 14; Check Launch Details

Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has rescheduled the launch of Chandrayaan-3 to July 14, with the previous date being July 13. The mission aims to demonstrate landing and roving capabilities near the Moon’s south pole.

It will also conduct scientific experiments and develop technologies for future interplanetary missions. Chandrayaan-3 consists of a lander, a rover, and a propulsion module, weighing a total of 3,900 kilograms.

The lander and rover will be similar to Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram rover, with improvements for a safe landing. The propulsion module will serve as a communications relay satellite in lunar orbit. The mission is set to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using ISRO’s powerful GSLV Mk-III rocket.

Announcing the launch of Chandrayaan-3:

🚀LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3 🛰️Mission:
The launch is now scheduled for
📆July 14, 2023, at 2:35 pm IST
from SDSC, Sriharikota

Stay tuned for the updates!

— ISRO (@isro) July 6, 2023

The Chandrayaan-3 lander has been designed for a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, enabling the deployment of the rover. The rover’s main objective is to conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface. After reaching a 100-kilometre lunar orbit, the lander module and propulsion module will separate. The propulsion module will remain in lunar orbit while the lander and rover carry out their scientific missions on the surface. Each module carries its own scientific payload.

The propulsion module features a box-like structure with a large solar panel and an Intermodule Adapter Cone for mounting the lander. The lander has four landing legs, landing thrusters, sensors for safe touchdown, and cameras for hazard avoidance. It is equipped with an X-band antenna for communications. The rectangular-shaped rover has six wheels and a navigation camera.

The rescheduled launch of Chandrayaan-3 presents an exciting opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate India’s capabilities in lunar exploration and technology development. With its advanced instruments and improved landing systems, the mission aims to further our understanding of the Moon and pave the way for future space exploration endeavours.