Chandrayaan 3 Launch Time : ISRO's Third Lunar Mission Successfully Integrated with Launch Vehicle LVM3-M4 | Chandrayaan-3 will be launched on 14th July at 2:35 PM IST

Ready To Launch, Successfully Integrated with Launch Vehicle LVM3 | Chandrayaan-3 will be launched on 14th July at 2:35 PM IST:

Source : ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Gallery

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant milestone in its lunar ambitions with the successful mating of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft with the newly developed Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This exciting progress brings India one step closer to its third lunar mission, which aims to demonstrate safe landing and roving capabilities on the lunar surface. Let's delve into the details of this mission and its implications for India's space exploration journey.

Mission Objectives of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, building upon its predecessor's achievements and rectifying the challenges faced during the previous mission. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate end-to-end capabilities in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. This mission aims to showcase India's technological prowess and advancements in space exploration.

• To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface

• To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and 

• To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the encapsulated assembly containing Chandrayaan-3 is mated with LVM3.

Scientific Instruments on Chandrayaan-3:

The spacecraft carries a range of scientific instruments to study various aspects of the lunar environment. These include instruments to study the thermophysical properties of the lunar regolith, lunar seismicity, lunar surface plasma environment, and elemental composition near the landing site. Additionally, an experimental instrument on Chandrayaan-3 will focus on studying the spectro-polarimetric signatures of the Earth from the lunar orbit. This comprehensive suite of instruments will provide valuable insights into the Moon's characteristics and its relationship with Earth.

Mission Life and Landing Site

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft consists of a lander and a rover, both designed to operate for one lunar day, which is approximately 14 Earth days. The prime landing site is located at 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E, which is a 4 km by 2.4 km area on the lunar surface.

Science Payloads

Chandrayaan-3's scientific payload will focus on studying the lunar environment in various ways. The lander carries Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA), Chandra's Surface Thermo-Physical Experiment (ChaSTE), Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), and Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA). On the other hand, the rover hosts Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS). Additionally, the Propulsion Module aims to conduct Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE).

Two-Module Configuration

The spacecraft consists of two modules: the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module. The Propulsion Module carries the lander from launch injection to the lunar orbit, while the Lander Module has the rover inside it.

Mass and Power Generation

The total mass of the spacecraft is 3900 kg, with the Propulsion Module weighing 2148 kg and the Lander Module weighing 1752 kg, including the 26 kg rover. In terms of power generation, the Propulsion Module generates 758 W, and the Lander Module generates 738W, with an additional WS with Bias. The rover generates 50W.

Communication

There are multiple communication links between the spacecraft and the ground station. The Propulsion Module communicates with IDSN, while the Lander Module communicates with IDSN and the rover. In case of contingency, the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter is also planned for a contingency link. However, the rover only communicates with the Lander via a direct link.

Lander Sensors and Actuators

The Lander Module includes multiple sensors – Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP), Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA), Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC), LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera), Laser Altimeter (LASA), Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV), Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC), Micro Star sensor, Inclinometer & Touchdown sensors. There are also four reaction wheels that serve as Lander Actuators.

Chandrayaan-3 Lander

Lander Propulsion System and Mechanisms

The Lander Module's Propulsion System comprises a Bi-Propellant Propulsion System (MMH + MON3), four 800 N Throttleable engines, eight 58 N Throttleable Engine Control Electronics. The Lander Mechanisms include a Lander leg, Rover Ramp (Primary & Secondary), ILSA, Rambha & Chaste Payloads, Umbilical connector Protection Mechanism, and an X-Band Antenna.

Lander Touchdown Specifications

The Lander will make a soft landing on the Moon's surface with specific parameters. The vertical velocity will be less than or equal to 2 m/sec, the horizontal velocity will be less than or equal to 0.5 m/sec, and the slope will be less than or equal to 120.

Timeline for Launch:

ISRO has announced that the Chandrayaan-3 mission is scheduled to be launched between July 13 and July 19. The space agency aims to launch the mission on July 13, subject to favorable conditions. This timeline reflects ISRO's dedication to its lunar program and the desire to achieve a successful landing and operation on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3 will be launched on 14th July at 2:35 PM : Official

Advancements in Spacecraft Technology:

Three dimensional views of Chandrayaan-3 modules

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has undergone a series of tests to validate its capability to withstand the harsh vibration and acoustic environment during launch. A notable feature of the spacecraft is its modular design, consisting of three modules: the propulsion module, lander module, and rover module. The propulsion module carries the lander and rover configuration until 100 km of the lunar orbit. The lander and rover payloads include instruments to measure thermal conductivity, temperature, seismic activity, and plasma density, among others. Accommodations have also been made for international collaboration, including a passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA for lunar laser ranging studies.

The Significance of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3 represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. It showcases India's commitment to advancing its space program and exploring the Moon's mysteries. The mission not only demonstrates technological advancements but also paves the way for future lunar missions. Chandrayaan-3 is an opportunity for India to contribute to scientific knowledge, foster international collaborations, and inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.

Chandrayaan-3 | Ready to Launch:

🚀LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3🛰️ Mission:

With the successful mating of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft with the LVM3 launch vehicle, ISRO is poised to launch India's third lunar mission. This mission holds great promise and signifies India's dedication to space exploration. The scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan-3 will provide valuable insights into the lunar environment, aiding researchers in expanding our understanding of the Moon and its relationship with Earth. Stay tuned for more updates on Chandrayaan-3 as the mission progresses towards its launch and journey to the Moon.

Read More Details : Click Here (ISRO CHANDRAYAAN 3)

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