Stage all set for launch of Chandrayaan-3, from Sriharikota this afternoon

All arrangements are in place for the launch of the third moon mission, Chandrayaan at the Second launch pad of the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota today. The countdown will precisely end at 2.35 pm this afternoon. The success of this launch is not just important to India but also the world as crucial information from the mission will help future space missions globally. This mission demonstrates that India is competent enough in scientific advancements. LVM -3 rocket is just ready to undertake the mission.

Akashvani Correspondent report: The 43.5 metre tall rocket LVM 3 weighing 642 ton will have three stages before separating Chandrayaan 3 just 16 minutes after take off from Sriharikota. Scientists are busy checking out last-minute details to ensure a precise launch.

Chandrayaan – 3 will travel in an elliptical path to reach the surface of the moon for thirty days. The lunar mission is divided into three phases – the earth centric phase, the Lunar Transfer Phase and the Moon Centric Phase The lander is expected to make a soft landing and the rover will conduct the experiments on the lunar surface. The life of the payload carried by the propulsion module post ejection of the lander is between three and six months. The mission life of the lander and the rover is 1 Lunar day or 14 earth days. The mission is to study earth from lunar orbit and to measure the near surface and its density changes. The mission is also to carry out measurements of thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region and look out for lunar seismic activity around the landing site and delineate the structure of the lunar crust and mantle.