India’s tryst with space exploration has been full of historic firsts, thrilling successes, and valuable lessons. The “Chandrayaan 3” mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), stands as a testament to the sheer determination and scientific prowess of our nation.
On July 14, 2023, at 2:35 pm IST, India’s dream of another lunar exploration took flight. Chandrayaan 3, now orbiting the moon, is a renewed bid after the partial success of Chandrayaan 2, aiming for a soft landing near the lunar south pole, an area yet to be fully explored by any other nation. But what exactly makes Chandrayaan 3 special? Why does it matter to us, the people of Kolkata and the world? Let’s unravel this cosmic tale.
At Rs 615 crore, the Chandrayaan 3 mission is a marvel of cost-effective engineering. While countries like the USA and China have also sent missions to the moon, India stands out with its budget-friendly approach. Remember, NASA’s Apollo moon mission cost a staggering $25 billion in the 1960s, which would amount to over $150 billion today after adjusting for inflation. Isn’t that mind-boggling?
Remember when we all gathered around the television sets to watch the launch of Chandrayaan 2 in 2019? The electrifying atmosphere, the pride in our hearts, the anticipation in the air – we felt united as a nation. And now, we are once again on a similar journey, but with a more advanced, more refined mission.
The heart of Chandrayaan 3 is a modified version of the Vikram lander, equipped with a new landing algorithm and a robust braking system, designed to prevent the mishap that happened with Chandrayaan 2. The rover, designed specifically for the lunar south pole, comes equipped with scientific instruments to learn about the lunar terrain. What mysteries will it unravel? Only time will tell!
The success of Chandrayaan 3’s launch has sent waves of excitement and pride across India. Do you feel it too, Kolkata? The joy of seeing our nation’s emblem illuminating the skies, inching closer to the moon?
One of the primary objectives of the Chandrayaan 3 mission is to uncover the secrets of the lunar south pole, believed to house large deposits of water ice. How could this find revolutionize space travel? Imagine a lunar base where the moon serves as a pit stop for further space exploration. Sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? But that’s the kind of future Chandrayaan 3 is paving the way for.
Under the leadership of Ritu Karidhal, fondly known as India’s ‘Rocket Woman’, Chandrayaan 3 is not just a space mission, it’s a symbol of Indian women’s growing stature in science and technology. Isn’t it inspiring to see women leading such significant projects?
On the global stage, Chandrayaan 3 is proof of India’s technological advancement and its ability to compete with superpowers. The ‘Made in India’ rover rolling on the lunar surface – isn’t it a sight that would swell your heart with pride?
As we near the expected landing date, the anticipation is palpable. Will we achieve the soft landing this time? Will Chandrayaan 3 complete its primary mission objectives within a year of launch? As India, as Kolkata, we watch with bated breath, cheering for our scientists, our nation, our dream.
How will the success of Chandrayaan 3 shape India’s future in space exploration? How will it inspire our children? How will it change our perception of the moon? As we embark on this interstellar journey, we invite your thoughts, your hopes, your dreams. After all, this is not just ISRO’s mission; it’s our mission, India’s mission.
As Chandrayaan 3 ventures into the unknown, we, the people of Kolkata and India, stand together, our hearts filled with hope and excitement. Will you be there when history is made? Will you be there when India takes its next giant leap?
Share your thoughts, your Chandrayaan 3 stories with us. We are one, we are India, and together, we reach for the stars.