Live Updates: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Endeavor, August 23rd: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on the cusp of etching its name into history today, as it embarks on its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. The pivotal moment is scheduled for approximately 18:04 hours IST when the lander module (LM) endeavors to make a gentle touch down on the lunar surface. The climactic juncture hinges on the final 15 minutes, during which the lander executes a crucial technical maneuver — transitioning from a high-speed horizontal orientation to a precise vertical alignment, facilitating its graceful descent.
ISRO’s Announcement: In its latest communication, ISRO has announced the imminent commencement of the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). In a post shared on X, ISRO mentioned, “Anticipating the Lander Module’s (LM) arrival at the designated coordinates, expected around 17:44 Hrs. IST.” Prior to this significant phase, the lander module successfully established contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter, solidifying an additional channel of communication with Earth.
Significance of the Moment: The implications are twofold — a successful mission will catapult India into an elite league, solidifying its mastery over the intricate art of soft lunar landings, a feat previously accomplished only by the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union. Additionally, India will stake its claim as the pioneer in exploring the uncharted expanse of the Moon’s expansive southern pole.
