Chandrayaan-3 Enters Moon’s Orbit, India’s Second Attempt at Controlled Moon Landing
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has announced that Chandrayaan-3, the country’s second attempt at a controlled moon landing, has successfully entered the Moon’s orbit. This news comes after an unsuccessful first attempt in 2019, when ground control lost contact with the spacecraft.
Chandrayaan-3 is set to touch down on the moon’s surface between August 23 and 24, with its primary objective being to collect images from the lunar south pole. This area cannot be observed from Earth, making it a significant target for exploration and research.
The mission’s budget is set at a remarkably low $74.6 million, considerably cheaper compared to similar missions undertaken by other countries. Despite the lower cost, India’s space program has made significant advancements since its first probe, Chandrayaan-1, orbited the moon in 2008, making it the first uncontrolled landing on the moon’s south pole.
It’s worth noting that only Russia, the United States, and China have so far achieved successful controlled lunar landings. India’s continued efforts in space exploration have positioned it as a leading player on the global stage.
ISRO’s achievements extend beyond lunar exploration as well. In 2014, India became the first country in Asia to put a satellite into orbit around Mars, demonstrating its rapidly growing capabilities in space technology.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 will not only cement India’s position as a formidable force in space exploration but also pave the way for future endeavors. By venturing into uncharted territories such as the moon’s south pole, valuable insights can be gained, potentially fueling breakthroughs in our understanding of the lunar surface and its resources.
As the mission progresses, the eyes of the world will be on this exciting milestone for India’s space program. With each achievement, India continues to inspire and contribute to the global scientific community, pushing boundaries and expanding our knowledge of the universe we inhabit.
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