Puri: With India bidding to become the fourth country in the world to achieve soft landing on the moon, Chandrayaan-3, perched on GSLV Mark 3 heavy-lift launch vehicle, named ‘Bahubali’ rocket, blasted off from Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, around 2.35 pm on Friday.
“Chandrayaan-3, in its precise orbit, has begun its journey to the Moon. Health of the Spacecraft is normal,” ISRO tweeted.
According to reports, the LVM3-M4 rocket (Fat Boy) lifted off majestically at a prefixed time from the second launch pad and the propulsion module successfully separated from the rocket 16 minutes after the lift-off. It would orbit the earth for about 5-6 times in an elliptical cycle with 170 km closest and 36,500 km farthest from earth moving towards the lunar orbit.
🚀@isro launches LVM3-M4/#Chandrayaan3 Mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota 🇮🇳
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.@IndiaDST pic.twitter.com/9wVAtkPCfw
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 14, 2023
The journey will take over 40 days and the spacecraft is expected to touchdown on moon on August 23. It is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
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“India successfully launches Chandrayaan-3 marking another significant milestone in space exploration. Heartiest congratulations to the @ISRO team and everyone who worked relentlessly to accomplish the feat! It demonstrates the nation’s unwavering commitment to advancement in space science and technology. My best wishes for the success of the lunar mission,” President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.
“Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s third lunar exploration mission.
The event is being streamed live on ISRO’s official website and YouTube channel.
Meanwhile in Puri, noted artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a 22-ft long sand art of Chandrayaan-3, using 15 tons of sand and 500 steel bowls, with the message “Bijayee Bhava”.
Also Read: Know The Odisha Connect In Chandrayaan-3 To Be Launched Tomorrow
