India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission: Scientists seek divine blessings for successful lunar exploration

In a significant stride towards lunar exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, aiming to become the fourth country to achieve a safe and soft landing on the moon’s surface. With the launch scheduled for July 14, excitement builds as ISRO scientists, led by project director Somnath, seek divine blessings for a triumphant mission.

ISRO scientists paid a visit to the Tirupati Venkatachalapathy Temple, presenting a miniature model of Chandrayaan-3. A team of around eight scientists was seen going inside the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. The team speaking to reporters outside the temple said, “This is Chandrayaan-3 — our mission to the moon…We have a launch tomorrow.” Among the team members was Shantanu Bhatwadekar, the Scientific Secretary of ISRO.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath also offered prayers at Sri Chengalamma Parameswarini temple at Sullurpeta on Thursday, as they gear up for the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission. Wearing a black T-shirt, Somnath worshipped at the temple located in Tirupati district, 22 km west of Sriharikota, where the spaceport is located.

“I need the blessings of Chengalamma Devi…I came here to pray and seek the blessings for the success of this mission,” Somnath told reporters.

The mission represents ISRO’s determined response following the challenges encountered during the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s failed soft landing in 2019, when the Vikram lunar lander met an untimely crash on the moon’s surface. With lessons learned, ISRO is focused on overcoming obstacles and demonstrating its prowess in lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-3 aims to showcase several capabilities, including achieving lunar orbit, executing a gentle and controlled landing on the moon’s surface with a lander, and deploying a rover to conduct detailed surface analysis. ISRO scientists have meticulously planned and rehearsed the entire launch process, meticulously simulating every stage of the mission’s preparation to ensure its seamless execution.

Upon liftoff at 2:35 pm on July 14, approximately 16 minutes later, the propulsion module will detach from the rocket, commencing an elliptical orbit around Earth. During this elliptical cycle, the module will complete 5-6 orbits, reaching its closest proximity to Earth at 170 kilometers and the farthest at 36,500 kilometers, gradually advancing towards the lunar orbit.