Chandrayaan-3 Mission Live Updates: Rover Pragyan Rolls Out of Lander

India successfully launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission that failed in its last stages. This attempt will be India's second attempt to soft land on the Moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively keeping track of the spacecraft's condition and conducting orbit-raising maneuvers according to the planned schedule. Stay informed about the latest developments of the eagerly awaited Chandrayaan-3 mission by following the Mission Updates provided below.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 23, 2023:

22:08 - Rover Pragyan rolls out of Chandrayaan-3 Lander

The communication link is established between the Ch-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru. Here are the images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the descent.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
The image captured by the
Landing Imager Camera
after the landing.

It shows a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. Seen also is a leg and its accompanying shadow.

Chandrayaan-3 chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface 🙂… pic.twitter.com/xi7RVz5UvW

— ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
'India🇮🇳,
I reached my destination
and you too!'
: Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3 has successfully
soft-landed on the moon 🌖!.

Congratulations, India🇮🇳!#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3

— ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023

18:03 - "Touchdown Confirmed" Soft Landing Achieved, India is on the Moon. India becomes the first Country to Conquer the Moon

18:01 - Lander Re-Targeted, Lander hovering and approaching the Moon, zero horizontal and vertical velocity

18:01 - 150 m remaining of Vertical Descent Phase

17:59 - Lander in Vertical Phase, 600 m more to touchdown

17:58 - 2.6 KM to touchdown Moon's surface, Final phase of Power Descent

17:56 - Altitude hold phase cleared, Fine Braking Phase has begun

17:55 - Current Altitude 10 KM from Lunar Surface, PM Naresndra Modi joined from Johannesburg, South Africa

17:54 - Lander has travelled 80% distance

17:53 - In the initial stage, ISRO plans to Descent the lander module from an altitude of 30km to 7.4km

17:52 - 8 mins to Rough Braking Phase, Landing nominal

17:44 - ALS has taken charge, Power Descent Begun, Rough Braking Phase has Started

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 22, 2023:

The mission is proceeding as planned. Regular checks are being conducted on the systems. Everything is going smooth.

There is a palpable buzz of energy and excitement in the Mission Operations Complex (MOX)!

The live broadcast of the landing operations at MOX/ISTRAC will commence at 17:20 Hrs. IST on August 23, 2023.

Below are the photographs of the moon taken by the Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC) from an altitude of approximately 70 km on August 19, 2023.

The LPDC images aid in determining the position (latitude and longitude) of the Lander Module by comparing them to an onboard moon reference map.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
The mission is on schedule.
Systems are undergoing regular checks.
Smooth sailing is continuing.

The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) is buzzed with energy & excitement!

The live telecast of the landing operations at MOX/ISTRAC begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST… pic.twitter.com/Ucfg9HAvrY

— ISRO (@isro) August 22, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 21, 2023:

‘Welcome, buddy!’ Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter has officially greeted the Chandrayaan-3 LM. There is now a two-way connection between the two entities.

MOX now has additional pathways to reach the LM.

The live broadcast of the Chandrayaan-3 Landing event will commence at 17:20 Hrs IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 20, 2023:

The second and final deboosting operation has successfully reduced the LM orbit to 25 km x 134 km. The module would undergo internal checks and await the sun-rise at the designated landing site.

The powered Descent is expected to commence on August 23, 2023, around 1745 Hrs. IST

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 18, 2023:

The Lander Module (LM) health is normal. The LM went through a deboosting procedure successfully, which resulted in its orbit being reduced to 113 km x 157 km.

The second deboosting operation is planned to take place on August 20, 2023, around 0200 Hrs. IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 17, 2023:

The Lander Module (LM) expressed gratitude for the ride. The successful separation of the LM from the Propulsion Module (PM) occurred. Tomorrow, at approximately 1600 Hrs IST, a deboosting maneuver is planned for the LM to Descent to a slightly lower orbit.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

‘Thanks for the ride, mate! 👋’
said the Lander Module (LM).

LM is successfully separated from the Propulsion Module (PM)

LM is set to Descent to a slightly lower orbit upon a deboosting planned for tomorrow around 1600 Hrs., IST.

Now, 🇮🇳 has3⃣ 🛰️🛰️🛰️… pic.twitter.com/rJKkPSr6Ct

— ISRO (@isro) August 17, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 16, 2023:

Today’s successful firing, needed for a short duration, has put Chandrayaan-3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. This marks the completion of the maneuvers to reach the moon.

Preparations are underway as both the Propulsion Module and Lander Module get ready for their individual journeys. The separation of the Lander Module from the Propulsion Module is scheduled for August 17, 2023.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 14, 2023:

Today, a precise maneuver was successfully executed to attain an orbit that is almost circular with dimensions of 150 km x 177 km. 

The subsequent operation is scheduled for August 16, 2023, at approximately 0830 Hrs. IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 9, 2023:

Even closer to the moon’s surface. Chandrayaan-3's orbit is reduced to 174 km x 1437 km following a manuevre performed today. The next operation is scheduled for August 14, 2023, between 11:30 and 12:30 Hrs. IST

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 6, 2023:

The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction maneuver. The retrofiring of engines brought it closer to the Moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km. The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between 13:00 and 14:00 Hrs. IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 5, 2023:

“MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity” 

Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru.

The next operation - reduction of orbit – is scheduled for Aug 6, 2023, around 23:00 Hrs. IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
“MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity 🌖”
🙂

Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit.

A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru.

The next… pic.twitter.com/6T5acwiEGb

— ISRO (@isro) August 5, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 4, 2023:

The spacecraft has traversed approximately 66% of the total distance to reach the moon. The Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI) is scheduled for August 5th, 2023, at approximately 19:00 Hrs IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - Aug 1, 2023:

Chandrayaan-3 successfully completes its orbits around the Earth and embarks on its journey towards the Moon. The spacecraft was skillfully injected into the translunar orbit through a successful perigee-firing conducted at ISTRAC, ISRO.

Now, it sets its course for the Moon. Upon reaching its destination, the Lunar-Orbit Insertion (LOI) is scheduled to take place on August 5th, 2023.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Chandrayaan-3 completes its orbits around the Earth and heads towards the Moon.

A successful perigee-firing performed at ISTRAC, ISRO has injected the spacecraft into the translunar orbit.

Next stop: the Moon 🌖

As it arrives at the moon, the… pic.twitter.com/myofWitqdi

— ISRO (@isro) July 31, 2023

The health of the spacecraft is in optimal condition. The perigee burn conducted today has effectively elevated the orbit of Chandrayaan-3 to 288 km x 369328 km. Within this orbital trajectory, the spacecraft enters into the gravitational pull and influence of the moon. At a critical point known as perilune, a maneuver will be executed to accomplish Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI).

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 26, 2023:

ISRO has confirmed that the orbit achieved by the chandrayaan-3 spacecraft measures 127603 km x 236 km.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 25, 2023:

The orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) has been successfully executed by ISTRAC/ISRO in Bengaluru. The spacecraft is projected to reach an orbit of 127609 km x 236 km. The confirmation of the achieved orbit will be made following further observations. The next stage, the TransLunar Injection (TLI), is scheduled for August 1, 2023, between 12 midnight and 1 am IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 20, 2023:

The fourth orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. Chandrayaan-3 has attained an orbit of 71351 km x 233 km orbit, as intended. The next firing is planned for July 25, 2023, between 2 and 3 pm IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
🇮🇳 India celebrates #InternationalMoonDay 2023 by propelling Chandrayaan-3 🛰️ a step closer to the Moon 🌖

The fourth orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru.

The next firing is planned for… pic.twitter.com/XeuD5c06v1

— ISRO (@isro) July 20, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 18, 2023:

The mission is moving forward as planned. The third orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed successfully from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. As intended, the spacecraft has achieved its planned orbit of 51,400 km x 228 km. The team is now preparing for the next firing, which is scheduled for July 20, 2023, between 2 and 3 pm IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 17, 2023:

The second orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound apogee firing) has been performed successfully. As a result, the spacecraft is now positioned in an orbit of 41603 km x 226 km. The next firing is scheduled for tomorrow, between 2 and 3 pm IST.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Update - July 15, 2023:

The spacecraft is in good condition and functioning as expected. The initial orbit-raising maneuver, Earthbound firing-1, has been completed successfully at ISTRAC/ISRO in Bengaluru. As a result, the spacecraft is now in an orbit with an apogee of 41,762 km and a perigee of 173 km.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission update:
The spacecraft's health is normal.

The first orbit-raising maneuver (Earthbound firing-1) is successfully performed at ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru.

Spacecraft is now in 41762 km x 173 km orbit. pic.twitter.com/4gCcRfmYb4

— ISRO (@isro) July 15, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 Launch Successful

Chandrayaan-3 lifts off from Sriharikota, Launch Successful. Chandrayaan-3 separated from LVM-3 and established into Earth's elliptical orbit successfully at an altitude of 179 km. It has started it's journey towards Moon.

LVM3 M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
LVM3 M4 vehicle🚀 successfully launched Chandrayaan-3🛰️ into orbit.

— ISRO (@isro) July 14, 2023

Countdown to the Launch

ISRO has begun filling the cryogenic stage propellant, and the launch is scheduled for today at 2.35 PM. The countdown has already begun, and the world is watching as India attempts to join an exclusive list of countries that have managed a soft landing on the Moon.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a follow-up to the failed Chandrayaan-2 mission. The mission aims to soft land on the south pole of the Moon and conduct scientific experiments. The lander and rover of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are expected to be almost identical to the ones on the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Soft Landing on the Moon

If ISRO successfully lands on the Moon with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, India will join an exclusive list of just three other countries that have managed a soft landing on the Moon. The United States, the erstwhile Soviet Union, and China are the only countries that have achieved this feat. Both the United States and the Soviet Union crashed many spacecraft before they successfully landed on the Moon. China was the only country to succeed in its first attempt with the Chang'e-3 mission in 2013.

Live Stream and Updates

ISRO's live stream of the Chandrayaan-3 mission can be accessed on their website. The live stream will start at 2.35 PM and will provide updates on the launch and the mission's progress.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Objectives

The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to soft land on the Moon's south pole and conduct scientific experiments. The mission's scientific objectives include studying the lunar surface's composition, studying the Moon's exosphere, and searching for water ice on the Moon's surface.

The Lander and Rover

The lander and rover of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are expected to be almost identical to the ones on the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The lander is designed to function for one lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 Earth days. The rover can travel up to 500 meters on the lunar surface and can perform scientific experiments.

The Launch Vehicle

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will be launched using India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). The GSLV Mk III is India's most potent rocket and has been used to launch India's heaviest satellites.

ISRO's Achievements

ISRO has a long history of successful space missions. In 2008, ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which discovered water on the Moon's surface. In 2014, ISRO successfully sent a spacecraft to Mars, making India the first country to succeed on its first attempt.

Chandrayaan-2 Mission Failure

The Chandrayaan-2 mission was launched on July 22, 2019, and was India's first attempt at landing on the Moon. The mission included a lunar orbiter, a lander, and a rover. However, the lander, named Vikram, lost contact with the ground station during the final stages of the Descent and crashed on the lunar surface.

Conclusion

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is an essential mission for India, and the world is watching as India attempts to soft land on the Moon. If ISRO successfully lands on the Moon, India will join an exclusive list of countries that have managed a soft landing on the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to conduct scientific experiments and study the Moon's surface composition and exosphere. ISRO has a long history of successful space missions, and the Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to be no different.