The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as it integrated the encapsulated assembly of Chandrayaan-3 with the launch vehicle, LVM3, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This development signifies a crucial step forward in India’s pursuit of its third lunar mission.
In a tweet, ISRO announced, “Today, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the encapsulated assembly containing Chandrayaan-3 is mated with LVM3.” The integration process involved the careful connection of the spacecraft and the launch vehicle, a task requiring meticulous planning and precise engineering.
S Somnath, chairman of ISRO, shared last month that they are targeting a launch window for Chandrayaan-3 between July 13 and July 19. He expressed confidence in achieving a soft landing on the Moon, stating, “The launch day is July 13, it can go up to July 19.” The chairman had previously mentioned in October of the previous year that Chandrayaan-3’s launch was likely to take place in June 2023.
During a press conference, S Somnath provided an update on the mission’s progress, stating that Chandrayaan-3 is nearly ready for launch in June 2023. He mentioned that final integration and testing were almost complete, with only a few pending tests remaining. The decision to opt for the June launch slot was made after considering the available options, including a February launch slot.
Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, faced a setback when the Vikram lunar lander crash-landed on the Moon on September 6, 2019. However, with Chandrayaan-3’s preparations nearing completion, ISRO is determined to overcome the challenges and achieve a successful mission.
The integration of Chandrayaan-3 with the launch vehicle marks a significant milestone for ISRO and India’s lunar exploration aspirations. It showcases ISRO’s dedication to advancing space exploration and expanding scientific knowledge.
As final tests and preparations are carried out, the nation eagerly awaits the launch of Chandrayaan-3, which will contribute to India’s growing presence in space and its quest for a deeper understanding of the Moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a significant milestone with the successful integration of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft and the launch vehicle. This achievement marks a major step forward in India’s ambitious lunar exploration program.
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to build upon the successes of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, and further enhance India’s knowledge of the Moon. The integration of the spacecraft with the launch vehicle signifies the completion of a crucial stage in the mission’s preparation.