In an eagerly anticipated development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a critical milestone in its Chandrayaan-3 mission. ISRO successfully altered the orbit of the mission's lander module, signaling its readiness for a significant event - a soft landing on the lunar surface. The touchdown is projected to occur precisely at 6:04 PM on August 23, 2023.
Following a series of precisely executed maneuvers, ISRO's achievement has not only captured global attention but has also stirred a renewed curiosity and passion for exploration among the younger generation. According to a statement from ISRO, this accomplishment holds immense value in inspiring youth toward the field of space exploration.
Setback for Russia:
However, this moment of success for India coincided with a setback for Russia. The Russian Luna-25 lunar robot lander encountered an unexpected twist of fate, crashing onto the lunar terrain after losing control over its intended orbit. The incident resulted in the annulment of the lander's mission, marking a significant setback for the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
In a statement released by Roscosmos, it was revealed that the Luna-25 lander met its demise due to a collision with the lunar surface. The Russian agency lost communication with the spacecraft after encountering issues during its preparations for the pre-landing orbit. The incident occurred after Luna-25's launch from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome on August 10.
The contrast between India's impending achievement and Russia's lunar mishap is striking. Four years ago, ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission experienced a similar mishap with its lander 'Vikram' and rover 'Pragyan,' both crash-landing on the Moon's southern pole during a touch-down attempt on September 6, 2019. However, Chandrayaan-3's journey seems more promising, with its lander module undergoing meticulous adjustments to ensure a smoother landing.
Comments