India Anticipates Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Landing
India is on the brink of a momentous milestone with the imminent arrival of its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, which is expected to touch down smoothly and triumphantly on the Moon’s southern polar area around 6:04 pm today, August 23. In the event of unfavorable circumstances, a scientist from ISRO stated that the landing could potentially be postponed until August 27. Nevertheless, ISRO remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the lander will face no complications today.
Four hours before Vikram landed on the lunar surface, ISRO provided updates on the planned procedures during the last 20 minutes of the landing. In its latest tweet, the space agency revealed that it will initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) once the Vikram LM reaches a designated point.
“Awaiting arrival of Lander Module (LM) at designated point, approx. 17:44 IST. After receiving ALS command, LM activates gassing engines for powered landing. Operations team confirms sequential execution Live broadcast of operations on MOX will begin at 17:20 IST,” ISRO tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi is watching the event from South Africa
For India, a successful moon landing marks its rise as a space power, in line with the Prime Minister Modi-led government’s drive to encourage investment in private space launches and satellite-based companies. Prime Minister Modi is watching the landing from South Africa where he is attending the ongoing BRICS Summit.
Landing in the challenging terrain of the Moon’s south pole has historical significance, as the water ice in the area can serve as a valuable resource in future missions by providing fuel, oxygen and drinking water.
Live telecast of Chandrayaan-3 landing is available in all government schools in Uttar Pradesh. In an unprecedented move, government schools in Haryana will open in the evening on Wednesday, August 23, to allow school children to witness the Chandrayaan-3 landing live. Additionally, schools and educational institutions across Assam have been instructed to remain open till 6 pm on August 23 and facilitate live streaming of the event on their premises.
