Chandrayaan-3 by ISRO India

On August 20, a significant milestone was achieved in India's space exploration journey as the Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module (LM) successfully completed its second and final de-boosting operation, propelling it closer to the Moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that the LM had reached a highly calibrated orbit, with its closest point to the lunar surface at a mere 25 kilometers and its farthest point at 134 kilometers. This remarkable accomplishment brings the nation one step closer to making history and joining an elite group of countries capable of soft lunar landings.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, a testament to India's technological prowess, has been meticulously planned and executed. The successful de-boosting operation marked a pivotal phase of the mission, as it fine-tuned the LM's trajectory for the imminent lunar landing. With the completion of this operation, the module entered a critical phase of internal checks and preparations for the final descent.

Scheduled to touch down on the Moon's surface on August 23, the Chandrayaan-3 mission holds immense significance for India. Upon achieving this feat, India will become the fourth country in the world to accomplish a soft landing on the lunar surface, following in the footsteps of the United States, China, and Russia. This remarkable achievement underscores India's growing prowess in space exploration and firmly establishes the nation as a key player in the global space community.

ISRO took to social media to announce the historic date and time of the lunar landing. In a tweet, ISRO stated, "Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the Moon on August 23, 2023, around 18:04 Hrs. IST." This announcement was met with widespread excitement and anticipation, not only within India but also across the globe.

As the excitement builds towards this momentous event, ISRO has made efforts to involve the public and educational institutions in the celebration. Recognizing the significance of this achievement, ISRO has planned a live broadcast of the landing event. Starting from 17:27 Hrs. IST on August 23, the live coverage will be accessible through various platforms, including the ISRO website, YouTube, ISRO's Facebook page, and DD National TV channel. This proactive approach by ISRO aims to engage citizens, especially students, and foster a sense of pride and enthusiasm in witnessing the nation's technological prowess in action.

ISRO has extended a heartfelt invitation to schools and educational institutions across the country to actively participate in this historic event. Institutions are encouraged to spread awareness among their students and faculty, and to organize live streaming of the Chandrayaan-3 soft landing within their premises. This initiative aligns with ISRO's commitment to education, outreach, and inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is poised to leave an indelible mark on India's space history and will undoubtedly be remembered as a monumental achievement for ISRO. As the nation eagerly awaits the historic lunar landing on August 23, the entire world will be witness to India's scientific and technological prowess, reaffirming the country's position as a trailblazer in the field of space exploration.