Chandrayaan 3 || Everything you need to know

Like a heartwarming tune, the title "Chandrayaan 3" carries with it the essence of ISRO's third journey into the mysteries of the Moon. Chandrayaan 3, our hero spacecraft, lifted off into the sky on July 14, 2023 at 2:35 PM IST from the awe-inspiring Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This spacecraft is not a one-piece wonder; It's a trio! Imagine it as a team of three amigos — the lander "Vikram," the rover "Pragyan," and a propulsion module. What else? The trio rode on a spacecraft named LVM 3, also known as GSLV MARK III. Imagine it as a mighty space taxi designed by ISRO to deliver valuables to space.

But wait, let's clear up the cosmic fog: A launch vehicle is not a propellant friend. Look, the launch vehicle's job is to launch the spacecraft into orbit, and after that, it's like an end for that - it either burns up or plunges into the ocean.

Let's not forget the journey of Chandrayaan 3, once in Earth's orbit, it will glide along its elliptical path like a celestial dancer, all thanks to Kepler's planetary dance moves. Imagine the Moon as Earth's fickle companion, moving around each other. When the Moon approaches and nearest to the Earth, it is "Perigee", and when it recedes and at the farthest point from the Earth, it is "Apogee".

Now, here's the plot twist: The propulsion module, our tenacious space relay satellite, goes into action. Imagine it as the cosmic guide of Chandrayaan 3, which is rotating it along a cosmic orbit. After five loops, a proverbial "Goodbye, Earth!" The moment occurs at the Lagrange point, where gravity plays a delicate balance between the Earth and the Moon. The tables are turned as soon as Chandrayaan 3 enters the Moon's orbit. Slowly but surely, it draws closer to the Moon, like a curious explorer approaching an undiscovered land. At a distance of 100 kilometers from the lunar surface, magic happens - the lander "Vikram" emerges from the shadows and begins its soft descent to the Moon.

Imagine that the surface of the Moon is the ultimate treasure for Vikram and Pragyan. Vikram gently descends and sets up camp, while our lunar rover, Pragyan, shouts a big "Hello, Moon!" rolls down with Imagine it as a tiny lunar traveler, curiously exploring, taking snapshots and performing lunar experiments. Remember, all this technicalities is done with precision by the great Scientists of ISRO. Vikram's scientific instruments, and Pragyan collect Moon's secrets in digital form, sending them through space as electromagnetic waves.

But here's the thing - these brave space explorers are here to stay. No return ticket on earth. They will be lunar legends, revealing the secrets of our celestial neighbor. And to leave a mark, the ISRO logo and the national emblem – a cosmic badge of honor – are engraved on the wheels of Pragyan. It is more than just a mission; It is a divine eulogy to India's space dream. This mission costs around Rs 615 crore, and is a testament to the spirit of our nation.

Hold on to your space seats because on August 23, 2023, the South Pole of the Moon will witness history being made. Vikram and Pragyan will debut on the Moon, and India's name will echo in the universe.

This tells us, a symphony of science and dreams, reminds us that the stars are not so far away. They are within reach, waiting for our exploration. The universe beckons, and Chandrayan 3 is just the ticket to the Space wonders waiting for us!