When Will Chandrayaan-3 Reach The Moon?

The Indian Space Research Organisation launched its third lunar mission--Chandrayaan 3 on-board the heavylift LVM3-M4 rocket here on Friday.

At the end of the 25.30 hour countdown, the LVM3-M4 rocket, the largest and heaviest in its class and dubbed as 'Fat Boy' lifted off majestically at a prefixed time at 2.35 pm from the second launch pad, discharging thick plumes of smoke.

When will Chandrayaan-3 Reach The Moon?

"If everything goes normal then landing on the moon is expected on August 23rd at around 5.47 pm IST, says ISRO Chief S Somanath.

Chandrayaan 3 follows the Chandrayaan 2 mission which did not achieve the desired soft landing on the surface of the moon in 2019, disappointing the scientists.

According to ISRO officials, around 16 minutes after lift-off, the propulsion module will separate from the rocket and would orbit the earth for about 5-6 times in an elliptical cycle with 170 km closest and 36,500 km farthest from earth moving towards the lunar orbit.

The propulsion module along with the lander, after gaining speed would proceed for an over a month long journey towards reaching the orbit of the moon until it goes 100 km above the lunar surface.

After reaching the desired altitude, the lander module would begin its descent for a soft landing on the south pole region of the moon.

Taking about Chandrayaan 3's successful launch into orbit, Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, "This is a moment of glory for us, moment of glory for India and moment of destiny for all of us...I must thank team ISRO for making India proud. I also thank PM Modi for making this possible by unlocking the doors of Sriharikota and enabling India's space sector..."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the launch of Chandrayaan-3 as a "new chapter" in India's space odyssey and said it has elevated the dreams and ambitions of every Indian.

"Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India's space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian," Modi said in a tweet. "This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists' relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!" he said.