Chandrayaan-3: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Ongoing Indian lunar lander mission}}

{{Use Indian English|date=August 2023}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}

| image              = Chandrayaan-3 Integrated Module in clean-room 02.webp

| image_caption      = Chandrayaan-3 Integrated Module in a [[cleanroom]]

| image_size        = 300px

| mission_type      = {{hlist|[[Lunar lander|Lander]]|[[Lunar rover|Rover]]}}

| COSPAR_ID          =

| SATCAT            =

| website            = {{oweb|https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3.html}}

| mission_duration  = {{time interval|14 July 2023|show=ymd}} (elapsed)

* [[#Design|Propulsion module]]: ≤ 3 to 6 months (planned) {{time interval|5 August 2023|show=ymd}} (elapsed) (since orbit insertion)

* ''[[Chandrayaan-2#Vikram lander|Vikram]]'' lander: ≤ 14 days (planned) {{time interval|23 August 2023}} (elapsed) (since landing)

* ''[[Pragyan (rover)|Pragyan]]'' rover: ≤ 14 days (planned) {{time interval|23 August 2023}} (elapsed) (since deployment)

| spacecraft_type    =

| launch_mass        = 3900&nbsp;kg<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 vs Russia's Luna-25 &#124; Which one is likely to win the space race |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/chandrayaan3-russia-luna-25-who-is-likely-win-space-race-17524541.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816051849/https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/chandrayaan3-russia-luna-25-who-is-likely-win-space-race-17524541.htm |archive-date=16 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023 |website=cnbctv18.com}}</ref>

| payload_mass      = Propulsion Module:  2148&nbsp;kg<br />Lander Module (Vikram): 1726&nbsp;kg<br />Rover (Pragyan) 26&nbsp;kg <br />Total: 3900&nbsp;kg

| power              = Propulsion Module: 758&nbsp;W<br />Lander Module: 738&nbsp;W <small>(WS with Bias)</small><br />Rover: 50&nbsp;W

| launch_date        = {{start-date|14 July 2023}}, 14:35:17 IST (09:05:17 UTC)<ref name="ISRO_Chandrayaan3">{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710170915/https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3.html |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=14 July 2023 |website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref>

   | type            = orbiter

   | object          = Moon

   | arrival_date    = 5 August 2023

   | object          = Moon

   | component      = Vikram lander

   | arrival_date    = {{start-date|23 August 2023}}, 18:03 [[IST]] (12:33 [[UTC]])<ref name="sn-20230823">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=23 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3: India becomes fourth country to land on the moon |url=https://spacenews.com/chandrayaan-3-india-becomes-fourth-country-to-land-on-the-moon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823130648/https://spacenews.com/chandrayaan-3-india-becomes-fourth-country-to-land-on-the-moon/ |archive-date=23 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=SpaceNews.com}}</ref>

   | location       = [[Shiv Shakti point]]

{{coords|69.373|S|32.319|E|globe:moon|display=inline,title|format=dec}}<ref name="Landing site">{{Cite web |title=LVM3-M4 Gallery |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/chandrayaan3_gallery.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828125325/https://www.isro.gov.in/chandrayaan3_gallery.html |archive-date=28 August 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023 |website=Indian Space Research Organisation}}</ref>

<br />(between [[Manzinus (crater)|Manzinus C]] and [[Simpelius (crater)|Simpelius N]] craters)<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=India launches Chandrayaan-3 mission to the lunar surface |url=https://physicsworld.com/a/india-launches-chandrayaan-3-mission-to-the-lunar-surface/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717125057/https://physicsworld.com/a/india-launches-chandrayaan-3-mission-to-the-lunar-surface/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 |access-date=15 July 2023 |publisher=Physicsworld}}</ref>

 

  | distance        = {{cvt|100|m}}<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1697881823391711684 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=2 September 2023 |access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref>

| insignia_size      = 200px

| insignia_caption  = Mission Insignia

| next_mission      = [[Lunar Polar Exploration Mission|LUPEX]]

'''Chandrayaan-3'''<!--Do not add any foreign/Indic/Devanagari script per WP:INDICSCRIPT--> ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|tʃ|ʌ|n|d|ɹ|ə|ˈ|j|ɑː|n}}) is the third mission in the [[Chandrayaan programme]], a series of [[Exploration of the Moon|lunar-exploration]] missions developed by the [[ISRO|Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Hari |last2=Travelli |first2=Alex |last3=Mashal |first3=Mujib |last4=Chang |first4=Kenneth |date=2023-08-23 |title=India Moon Landing: In Latest Moon Race, India Lands First in Southern Polar Region |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/08/23/science/india-moon-landing-chandrayaan-3 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826034411/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/08/23/science/india-moon-landing-chandrayaan-3 |archive-date=26 August 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Launched on 14 July 2023, the mission consists of a [[lunar lander]] named [[Chandrayaan-2#Vikram lander|''Vikram'']] and a [[lunar rover]] named [[Pragyan (rover)|''Pragyan'']], similar to those launched aboard [[Chandrayaan-2]] in 2019.

Chandrayaan-3 was launched from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] on 14 July 2023. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on 5 August, and the lander touched down in the [[Lunar south pole|lunar south polar]] region<ref name=":5" /> on 23 August at 12:33 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]], making India the fourth country to successfully [[Moon landing|land on the Moon]], and the first to do so near the lunar south pole.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Sanjay |date=23 August 2023 |title=India makes history by landing spacecraft near Moon's south pole |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/india-makes-history-landing-spacecraft-near-moon-s-south-pole |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824120354/https://www.science.org/content/article/india-makes-history-landing-spacecraft-near-moon-s-south-pole |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=24 August 2023 |website=Science.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 launch on 14 July, lunar landing on 23 or 24 August |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/chandrayaan-3-launch-scheduled-for-july-14-at-235-pm/article67049236.ece |url-status=live |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711031538/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/chandrayaan-3-launch-scheduled-for-july-14-at-235-pm/article67049236.ece |archive-date=11 July 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=India lands spacecraft near south pole of moon in historic first |work=The Guardian |url=https://amp.theguardian.com/science/2023/aug/23/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-mission |url-status=live |access-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823031538/https://amp.theguardian.com/science/2023/aug/23/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-mission |archive-date=23 August 2023}}</ref>{{efn|While the landing site is often called as "polar region" in media and publications, location of Chandrayaan-3's lander or rover is not within the Lunar Antarctic circle (80ºS). ISRO scientists involved in selecting and characterizing the landing site call it a “high-latitude location".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Karanam |first=Durga Prasad |last2=Bhatt |first2=Megha |last3=A |first3=Amitabh |last4=G |first4=Ambily |last5=Sathyan |first5=Sachana |last6=Misra |first6=Dibyendu |last7=Srivastava |first7=Neeraj |last8=Bhardwaj |first8=Anil |date=2023-08-03 |title=Contextual Characterisation Study of Chandrayaan-3 Primary Landing Site |url=https://doi.org/10.1093/mnrasl/slad106 |journal=Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters |doi=10.1093/mnrasl/slad106 |issn=1745-3925}}</ref>}}

{{Further|Chandrayaan programme}}{{See also|Lunar south pole}}On 22 July 2019, ISRO launched [[Chandrayaan-2]] on board a [[LVM3|Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)]] [[launch vehicle]] consisting of an [[orbiter]], a [[Lander (spacecraft)|lander]] and a [[Rover (space exploration)|rover]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-07-21 |title=Chandrayaan-2: India launches second Moon mission |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49032603 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822092132/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49032603 |archive-date=22 August 2019}}</ref> The lander was scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface on 6 September 2019 to deploy the [[Pragyan (rover)|''Pragyan'' rover]]. The lander lost contact with mission control, deviated from its intended trajectory while attempting to land near the lunar south pole, and crashed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India has found its Vikram lander after it crashed into the moon's surface |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/09/06/133128/india-s-chandrayaan-2-lander-likely-crashed-into-the-moons-surface/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092539/https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/09/06/133128/india-s-chandrayaan-2-lander-likely-crashed-into-the-moons-surface/ |archive-date=11 April 2023 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |date=2019-09-10 |title=Did India's Chandrayaan-2 Moon Lander Survive? The Chances Are Slim |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/10/science/india-chandrayaan-2-vikram.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911162003/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/10/science/india-chandrayaan-2-vikram.html |archive-date=11 September 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The lunar south pole region holds particular interest for scientific exploration. Studies show large amounts of ice there. Mountainous terrain and unpredictable lighting protect the ice from melting, but they also make landing scientific probes there a challenging undertaking. The ice could contain solid-state compounds that would normally melt under warmer conditions elsewhere on the Moon—compounds which could provide insight into lunar, Earth, and [[Solar System]] history. For future crewed missions and outposts, ice could also be a source of drinking water and of hydrogen for fuel and oxygen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahoney |first=Erin |date=2022-08-17 |title=Moon's South Pole is Full of Mystery, Science, Intrigue |url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/moons-south-pole-is-full-of-mystery-science-intrigue |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823195759/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/moons-south-pole-is-full-of-mystery-science-intrigue/ |archive-date=23 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-23 |title=Explainer: Why are countries racing to the moon's heavily cratered south pole? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/science/why-are-countries-racing-moons-heavily-cratered-south-pole-2023-08-23/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824184917/https://www.reuters.com/science/why-are-countries-racing-moons-heavily-cratered-south-pole-2023-08-23/ |archive-date=24 August 2023}}</ref>

The [[ESTRACK|European Space Tracking network]] (ESTRACK), operated by the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA), and [[Deep Space Network]] operated by [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)]] of [[NASA]] are supporting the mission.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chandrayaan-3 How NASA, ESA will support ISRO during the Moon landing on August 23 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/chandrayaan-3-how-nasa-esa-will-support-isro-during-the-moon-landing-on-august-23/article67216311.ece |url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825040104/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/chandrayaan-3-how-nasa-esa-will-support-isro-during-the-moon-landing-on-august-23/article67216311.ece |archive-date=25 August 2023}}.</ref>

ISRO's mission objectives for the Chandrayaan-3 mission are:

Chandrayaan-3 comprises three main components: a propulsion module, lander, and rover.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="240">

File:LVM3 M4, Chandrayaan-3 - Render of Encapsulated Payload Fairing with Chandrayaan-3 composite stack.png|Chandrayaan-3 encapsulated within [[LVM3]]'s payload fairing

File:Chandrayaan-3 Integrated Module - Views.webp|Chandrayaan-3 integrated components

</gallery>

==== Propulsion module ====

The propulsion module carries the lander and rover configuration to a {{convert|100|km|adj=on}} lunar orbit. It is a box-like structure with a large solar panel mounted on one side and a cylindrical mounting structure for the lander (the Intermodular Adapter Cone) on top.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=NASA – NSSDCA – Spacecraft – Details |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608231611/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN3 |archive-date=8 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 January 2020 |title=Chandrayaan-3 to cost Rs 615 crore, launch could stretch to 2021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-to-cost-rs-615--crore-launch-could-stretch-to-2021/articleshow/73055941.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119155006/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-to-cost-rs-615--crore-launch-could-stretch-to-2021/articleshow/73055941.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=3 January 2020 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref>

The ''[[Chandrayaan-2#Vikram lander|Vikram]]'' lander is responsible for the soft landing on the Moon. It is also box-shaped, with four landing legs and four landing thrusters capable of producing 800 [[Newton (unit)|newtons]] of thrust each. It carries the rover and various scientific instruments to perform on-site analysis.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Jatan |title=Chandrayaan-3 Makes Historic Touchdown on the Moon |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chandrayaan-3-makes-historic-touchdown-on-the-moon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824031414/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chandrayaan-3-makes-historic-touchdown-on-the-moon/ |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=Scientific American |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 in its last leg of journey to moon |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/video/chandrayaan-3-in-its-last-leg-of-journey-to-moon-2423766-2023-08-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821051212/https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/video/chandrayaan-3-in-its-last-leg-of-journey-to-moon-2423766-2023-08-20 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The lander has four variable-thrust engines with [[Slew (spacecraft)|slew rate]] changing capabilities, unlike Chandrayaan-2's lander, which had five, with the fifth one being centrally mounted and capable only of fixed thrust. One of the main reasons for Chandrayaan-2's landing failure was [[Spacecraft attitude control|attitude]] increase during the camera coasting phase. This was removed by allowing the lander to control attitude and thrust during all phases of descent. Attitude correction rate is increased from Chandrayaan-2's 10°/s to 25°/s with Chandrayaan-3. Additionally, the Chandrayaan-3 lander is equipped with a [[Laser Doppler velocimetry|laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV)]] to allow measuring attitude in three directions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=19 November 2019 |title=Chandrayaan-3 plans indicate failures in Chandrayaan-2 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-plans-indicate-failures-in-chandrayaan-2/articleshow/72128771.cms |url-status=live |access-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121090445/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-plans-indicate-failures-in-chandrayaan-2/articleshow/72128771.cms |archive-date=21 November 2019}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Citation |title=After 4 Years, ISRO Reveals Why Chandrayaan 2 FAILED |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oUdD_QSgRs |access-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810172742/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oUdD_QSgRs&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref> The impact legs have been made stronger compared to Chandrayaan-2 and instrumentation redundancy has been improved. It will target a more precise {{cvt|16|km2|sqmi}} landing region based on images previously provided by the Orbiter High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) onboard Chandrayaan-2's orbiter. ISRO improved the structural rigidity, increased polling in instruments, increased data frequency and transmission, and added additional multiple contingency systems to improve lander survivability in the event of failure during descent and landing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shaurya |date=21 October 2022 |title=Chandrayaan-3 To Be More Robust, Have Contingency Systems Onboard, Says ISRO Chief |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/chandrayaan-3-to-be-more-robust-have-contingency-systems-onboard-says-isro-chief-6216451.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022080431/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/chandrayaan-3-to-be-more-robust-have-contingency-systems-onboard-says-isro-chief-6216451.html |archive-date=22 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

</gallery>

The ''[[Pragyan (rover)|Pragyan]]'' rover is a six-wheeled vehicle with a mass of {{convert|26|kg|lb|abbr=off}}. It is {{convert|917|mm|ft}} x {{convert|750|mm|ft}} x {{convert|397|mm|ft}} in size.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA – NSSDCA – Spacecraft – Details |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN3#:~:text=The%20Pragyan%20(Sanskrit%20for%20%22wisdom,lander%20via%20Rx/Tx%20antennas. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608231611/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN3#:~:text=The%20Pragyan%20(Sanskrit%20for%20%22wisdom,lander%20via%20Rx/Tx%20antennas. |archive-date=8 June 2022 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov}}</ref> The rover is expected to take multiple measurements to support research into the composition of the lunar surface, the presence of water ice in the lunar soil, the history of lunar impacts, and the evolution of the Moon's atmosphere.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=16 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 highlights: Lander Vikram will be 30&nbsp;km away from Moon today |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/chandrayaan3-live-updates-isros-lunar-mission-indian-spacecraft-landing-on-moon-russia-luna-25-moon-mission-11692151720010.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819200245/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/chandrayaan3-live-updates-isros-lunar-mission-indian-spacecraft-landing-on-moon-russia-luna-25-moon-mission-11692151720010.html |archive-date=19 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Sharmila Kuthunur |date=23 August 2023 |title=India on the moon! Chandrayaan-3 becomes 1st probe to land near lunar south pole |url=https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-success |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823150626/https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-success |archive-date=23 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>

File:Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover.png|[[Pragyan (rover)|''Pragyan'']] rover

=== Payloads ===

* Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will measure the [[thermal conductivity]] and temperature of the lunar surface.

* Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will measure the [[seismicity]] around the landing site.

* Langmuir Probe (LP) will estimate the near-surface [[Plasma (physics)|plasma]] density over time.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=ISRO Chandrayaan 3 brochure |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Missions/LVM3/LVM3M4_Chandrayaan3_brochure.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710120424/https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Missions/LVM3/LVM3M4_Chandrayaan3_brochure.pdf |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=14 July 2023}}</ref>

File:ChaSTE payload.png|Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE)

File:ILSA payload.png|Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)

File:Rambha-payload.png|Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP)

==== On rover ====

* An [[alpha particle X-ray spectrometer]] (APXS) will derive the chemical composition and infer the [[Mineralogy|mineralogical]] composition of the lunar surface.

* [[Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy]] (LIBS) will determine the elemental composition ([[Magnesium|Mg]], [[Aluminium|Al]], [[Silicon|Si]], [[Potassium|K]], [[Calcium|Ca]], [[Titanium|Ti]], [[Iron|Fe]]) of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.<ref name="auto" />

<gallery mode="packed">

File:APXS payload.png|[[Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer]] (APSX)

File:LIBS payload.png|Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS)

==== On the propulsion module ====

* Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) will study [[Spectral line|spectral]] and [[Polarimetry|polarimetric]] measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit in the [[Near-infrared spectroscopy|near-infrared]] (NIR) wavelength range ({{convert|1–1.7|μm|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}}).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

<gallery mode="packed">

File:SHAPE payload.png|Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE)

== Mission profile ==

| align            = center

| direction        = horizontal

| width            = 240px

| header            = Animation of Chandrayaan-3

| image1            = Animation of Chandrayaan-3 around Earth - Orbit raising.gif

| caption1          = Around the Earth – Orbit raising phase

| image2            = Animation of Chandrayaan-3 around Earth.gif

| caption2          = Around the Earth

| image3            = Animation of Chandrayaan-3 around Moon.gif

| caption3          = Around the Moon

| footer            = {{legend2|Magenta| Chandrayaan-3's Path}}{{·}}{{legend2| RoyalBlue| Earth}}{{·}}{{legend2|Lime| Moon}}

}}

[[File:LVM3 M4, Chandrayaan-3 - Launch vehicle lifting off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota 03.webp|thumb|upright|LVM3 M4, Chandrayaan-3 – Launch vehicle lifting off from the second launch pad of SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota]]

Chandrayaan-3 was launched aboard an [[LVM3]]-M4 rocket on 14 July 2023, at 09:05 UTC from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] [[Second Launch Pad]] in [[Sriharikota]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India, entering an Earth [[parking orbit]] with a perigee of {{convert|170|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} and an apogee of {{convert|36,500|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.

After a series of earth bound manoeuvres that placed Chandrayaan-3 in a [[trans-lunar injection]] orbit,<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission takes off with a successful launch as rocket hoists lunar lander and rover – CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-mission-launch-rocket-lunar-lander-and-rover/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822120100/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-mission-launch-rocket-lunar-lander-and-rover/ |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=India launches its Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing mission |url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/isro/india-launches-its-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817095213/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/isro/india-launches-its-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-mission/ |archive-date=17 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=SpaceFlight Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 update: Isro to fire up engines, put spacecraft on road to moon |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/story/chandrayaan-3-update-isro-to-conduct-trans-lunar-injection-tonight-put-spacecraft-on-road-to-moon-2414052-2023-07-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801033942/https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/story/chandrayaan-3-update-isro-to-conduct-trans-lunar-injection-tonight-put-spacecraft-on-road-to-moon-2414052-2023-07-31 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> ISRO performed a lunar-orbit insertion (LOI) on 5 August, successfully placing the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into an orbit around the Moon. The LOI operation was carried out from the [[ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network|ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network]] (ISTRAC) in [[Bengaluru]].<ref name="hindu_20230805_moonorbit">{{Cite web |last=THE HINDU BUREAU |date=5 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft enters lunar orbit |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/chandrayaan-3-enters-lunar-orbit/article67161942.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806022920/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/chandrayaan-3-enters-lunar-orbit/article67161942.ece |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="asn_20230806_moonorbit">{{Cite web |last=Grey |first=Charles |date=6 August 2023 |title=India's Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Inserted Into Lunar Orbit |url=https://airspacenews.net/indias-chandrayaan-3-successfully-inserted-into-lunar-orbit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806143515/https://airspacenews.net/indias-chandrayaan-3-successfully-inserted-into-lunar-orbit/ |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=AIR SPACE News |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 17 August, the Vikram lander separated from the propulsion module to begin the last phase of the mission.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3: Indian lunar lander Vikram inches closer to Moon |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66530022 |url-status=live |access-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823141116/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66530022 |archive-date=23 August 2023}}</ref>

=== Landing ===

[[File:Image of Chandrayaan-3 Lander captured by OHRC camera aboard Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter.webp|thumb|Image of Chandrayaan-3 Lander as captured by OHRC camera aboard Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter]]

[[File:Chandrayaan-3 – Image of Vikram lander on lunar surface taken by Pragyan rover navcam at 1104 IST, 30 August 2023 from 15 meters away (without text).webp|thumb|Chandrayaan-3 Lander on the Moon]]

[[File:Pragyan rover deployed on the moon.webp|thumb|''Pragyan'' roll out]]

On 23 August 2023, as the lander approached the low point of its orbit, its four engines fired as a braking manoeuvre at {{convert|30|km|mi}} above the Moon's surface. After 11.5 minutes, the lander was 7.2 km (4.5 miles) above the surface; it maintained this altitude for about 10 seconds, then stabilized itself using eight smaller thrusters and rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position while continuing its descent.

It then used two of its four engines to slow its descent to roughly {{convert|150|m|ft}}; it hovered there for about 30 seconds and located an optimal landing spot before continuing downward and touching down at 12:33 [[UTC]].<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-23 |title=India Is on the Moon: Lander's Success Moves Nation to Next Space Chapter |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/23/science/chandrayaan-3-india-moon-landing.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823172509/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/23/science/chandrayaan-3-india-moon-landing.html |archive-date=23 August 2023}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0; text-align:left;"

! scope="col" | Stage and sequence

! scope="col" | Date/<br />Time (UTC)

! scope="col" | LAM burn time

!Orbit

! scope="col" | Orbital period

! scope="col" | References

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|170x36500|km}}

| {{N/A}}

|Earth bound maneuvers: 1 || 15 July 2023  || {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|173x41762|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref name="CH3-ISRO">{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710170915/https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3.html |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=14 July 2023 |publisher=ISRO}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1680239822110162944 |user=isro |title=The first orbit raising operation |date=15 July 2023 |access-date=15 July 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1680239822110162944/photo/1}}</ref>

|Earth bound maneuvers: 2 || 17 July 2023 || {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|226x41603|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref name="CH3-ISRO" /><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1680845817903722497 |user=isro |title=The second orbit raising operation |date=17 July 2023 |access-date=17 July 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1680845817903722497?t=l5YDw4bfrCHUVzPyJ_wMRA&s=19}}</ref>

|Earth bound maneuvers: 3 || 18 July 2023 || {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|228x51400|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1681236337024974850 |user=isro |title=The third orbit raising operation |date=18 July 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1681293895341162499}}</ref>

|Earth bound maneuvers: 4 || 20 July 2023 || {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|233x71351|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref name="CH3-ISRO" /><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1681960236347965440 |user=isro |title=The fourth orbit raising operation |date=20 July 2023 |access-date=20 July 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1681960236347965440}}</ref>

|{{convert|abbr=on|236x127603|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref name="TWISRO-250723">{{Cite tweet |number=1683767962560512000 |user=isro |title=The fifth orbit raising operation |date=25 July 2023 |access-date=25 July 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1683767962560512000}}</ref>

|Trans-lunar injection || 31 July 2023 || {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|288x369328|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1686327939280035840 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 update |date=1 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1686327939280035840}}</ref>

|Lunar bound maneuvers:1 (Lunar orbit insertion) || 5 August 2023

| {{convert|abbr=on|1835|sec|min}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|164x18074|km}}|| Approx. {{convert|abbr=on|21|h|min}}|| <ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1687384615215124480 |user=isro |title=Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI) |date=4 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1687859829803466753?t=qoIyMeH8oP405bbdzFNMNw&s=19}}</ref>

|Lunar bound maneuvers: 2 || 6 August 2023

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|170x4313|km}}|| {{N/A}}|| <ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1688248504458846208 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=6 August 2023 |access-date=6 August 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/isro/status/1688248504458846208?s=20}}</ref>

|Lunar bound maneuvers:3 || 9 August 2023

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|174x1437|km}}|| {{N/A}}||<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1689192034916265984 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023}}</ref>

|Lunar bound maneuvers:4

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|150x177|km}}|| {{N/A}}||<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1690978432321269760 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=14 August 2023 |access-date=14 August 2023}}</ref>

|Lunar bound maneuvers:5

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|153x163|km}}|| {{N/A}}||<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1691655268449603770 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=16 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref>

|Lander deorbit maneuvers: 1

| {{N/A}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|113x157|km}}|| {{N/A}}||<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1692484515963588645 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan-3 Mission |date=18 August 2023 |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref>

|Lander deorbit maneuvers: 2

|19 August 2023

| {{convert|abbr=on|60|sec|min}}

|{{convert|abbr=on|25x134|km}}|| {{N/A}}||<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1692995757413192015 |user=isro |title=Chandrayaan 3 mission: second and final deorbiting operation.}}</ref>

|<ref name="sn-20230823" />

|Rover deployment

|23 August 2023

|{{n/a}}

|{{n/a}}

|{{n/a}}

|<ref name="sn-20230823" />

* Propulsion module: Carries lander and rover to {{convert|100x100|km|adj=on}} orbit, with operation of experimental payload for up to six months.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 Brochure |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Missions/LVM3/LVM3M4_Chandrayaan3_brochure.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710120424/https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Missions/LVM3/LVM3M4_Chandrayaan3_brochure.pdf |archive-date=10 July 2023 |website=Indian Space Research Organisation}}</ref>

* Lander module: one lunar daylight period (14 Earth days)<ref name="auto1" />

* Rover module: one lunar daylight period (14 Earth days).<ref name="auto1" />

== Team ==

* ISRO Chairperson: [[S. Somanath]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=11 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 just 1k-km from lunar surface |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/chandrayaan-3-just-1k-km-from-lunar-surface/articleshow/102590128.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812053927/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/chandrayaan-3-just-1k-km-from-lunar-surface/articleshow/102590128.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=12 August 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

* Mission Director: S. Mohanakumar<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2023 |title=With Chandrayaan-3 set to land today, meet key scientists behind ISRO moon mission |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/chandrayaan-3-landing-scientists-isro-8905504/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824031413/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/chandrayaan-3-landing-scientists-isro-8905504/ |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

* Associate Mission Director: G. Narayanan<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nirvaan |date=4 August 2023 |title=Chandrayaan 3 Price, Budget, Cost, (Orbiter, Lander, and Rover) |url=https://www.pmsarkariyojanahindi.com/chandrayaan-3-price/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824031417/https://www.pmsarkariyojanahindi.com/chandrayaan-3-price/ |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=PM Sarkari Yojana Hindi |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Project Director: [[P. Veeramuthuvel]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-23 |title=Chandrayaan-3 {{!}} Not just sons of Tamil Nadu but State's soil itself contributed to Moon mission |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/chandrayaan-3-landing-not-just-sons-of-tamil-nadu-but-states-soil-itself-contributed-to-moon-mission/article67225959.ece |access-date=2023-08-23 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

* Deputy Project Director: [[Kalpana Kalahasti]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Online {{!}} |first=E. T. |date=23 August 2023 |title=Most memorable moment for team Chandrayaan-3: Kalpana K, Deputy Project Director, Moon Mission |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/most-memorable-moment-for-team-chandrayaan-3-kalpana-k-deputy-project-director-moon-mission/videoshow/102991222.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824031954/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/defaultinterstitial.cms |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref>

* Vehicle Director: Biju C. Thomas<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=Chandrayaan 3 Launch Live: India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission lifts off from Sriharikota |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-launch-live-updates-isro-moon-landing-mission-countdown-launch-time-sriharkota-how-to-watch/liveblog/101739131.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717084941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-launch-live-updates-isro-moon-landing-mission-countdown-launch-time-sriharkota-how-to-watch/liveblog/101739131.cms |archive-date=17 July 2023 |access-date=14 July 2023 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2019, ISRO requested the initial funding of the project, amounting to {{INRConvert|75|c|lk=on}}, out of which {{INRConvert|60|c}} would be for meeting expenditure towards machinery, equipment, and other capital expenditure, while the remaining {{INRConvert|15|c}} was sought for operating expenditure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=8 December 2019 |title=ISRO seeks 75 crore more from Centre for Chandrayaan-3 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-seeks-75-crore-more-from-centre-for-chandrayaan-3/articleshow/72421303.cms |url-status=live |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120005130/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-seeks-75-crore-more-from-centre-for-chandrayaan-3/articleshow/72421303.cms |archive-date=20 January 2021}}</ref> Amit Sharma, CEO of an ISRO vendor, said, "With local sourcing of equipment and design elements, we are able to reduce the price considerably."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharjee |first=Nivedita |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Chandrayaan-3 punches home India's lead in budget space flights |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/chandrayaan-3-punches-home-indias-lead-budget-space-flights-2023-08-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826172756/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/chandrayaan-3-punches-home-indias-lead-budget-space-flights-2023-08-24/ |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=August 26, 2023 |website=Reuters}}</ref>

Confirming the existence of the project, ISRO's former chairman [[K. Sivan]] stated that the estimated cost would be around {{INRConvert|615|c|lk=|year=2020}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2020 |title=Chandrayaan-3 to cost Rs 615 crore, launch could stretch to 2021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-to-cost-rs-615-crore-launch-could-stretch-to-2021/articleshow/73055941.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230181930/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-to-cost-rs-615-crore-launch-could-stretch-to-2021/articleshow/73055941.cms |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=3 January 2020 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 July 2023 |title=How much did India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission cost? |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/chandrayaan-3-cost-budget-isro-launch-july-14-space-lunar-mission-moon-landing-17222551.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717125549/https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/chandrayaan-3-cost-budget-isro-launch-july-14-space-lunar-mission-moon-landing-17222551.htm |archive-date=17 July 2023 |access-date=15 July 2023 |website=[[CNBC]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike Wall |date=18 August 2023 |title=India's Chandrayaan-3 snaps close-up photos of moon ahead of landing try (video) |url=https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-photos-august-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823141114/https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-photos-august-2023 |archive-date=23 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Associated Press]], while commenting on the success of the mission, said, "The successful mission showcases India's rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse and dovetails with Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s desire to project an image of an ascendant country asserting its place among the global elite."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-03 |title=India's moon rover completes its walk. Scientists analyzing data looking for signs of frozen water |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-moon-rover-mission-task-completed-16cdb5c791fd90d0ca1e76d2d6d36bf8 |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

 

 

These measurements were consistent with what is known about the thermal profile of the Moon from previous expeditions and experiments. But this was the first direct measurement of temperatures of the topsoil and the subsoil near the south pole.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Chandrayaan-3 mission: On Moon, very hot to very cold — separated by just a few mm |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/chandrayaan-mission-on-moon-very-hot-to-very-cold-separated-by-just-a-few-mm-8913791/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201907/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/chandrayaan-mission-on-moon-very-hot-to-very-cold-separated-by-just-a-few-mm-8913791/ |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

On 29 August, ISRO reported that the laser-induced breakdown spectroscope (LIBS) instrument onboard the ''Pragyan'' rover has "unambiguously" confirmed the presence of [[sulfur]] in the lunar surface near the south pole, through "first-ever in-situ measurements".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=India's moon rover confirms sulfur and detects several other elements near the lunar south pole |url=https://apnews.com/article/indias-moon-mission-finds-chemicals-a0f5b3c91fd71c2a3ae573d4048a5d05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829215324/https://apnews.com/article/indias-moon-mission-finds-chemicals-a0f5b3c91fd71c2a3ae573d4048a5d05 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 rover confirms presence of sulphur in lunar surface, search for Hydrogen underway: ISRO |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chandrayaan-3-rover-confirms-presence-of-sulphur-in-lunar-surface-search-for-hydrogen-underway-isro/cid/1962438 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201908/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chandrayaan-3-rover-confirms-presence-of-sulphur-in-lunar-surface-search-for-hydrogen-underway-isro/cid/1962438 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |language=en}}</ref> The presence of sulfur on the Moon has been known before;<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vaniman |first=D. |last2=Pettit |first2=D. |last3=Heiken |first3=G. |date=1992 |title=Uses of lunar sulfur |url=https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1992lbsa.conf..429V |url-status=live |journal=Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century |publisher=SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) |page=429 |bibcode=1992lbsa.conf..429V |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830133125/https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1992lbsa.conf..429V |archive-date=30 August 2023 |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref> however, it was detected for the first time at the south pole by the rover.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3 rover finds sulphur on moon's south pole – The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/30/chandrayaan-3-rover-finds-sulphur-on-moons-south-pole-2609954.amp |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=www.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>

 

 

Apart from sulfur, the rover also detected other elements including aluminium (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover confirms presence of sulfur on surface of Moon |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chandrayaan3-confirms-presence-of-sulphur-on-moon-s-surface-in-first-in-situ-recordings-hydrogen-search-underway-101693335242683.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201905/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chandrayaan3-confirms-presence-of-sulphur-on-moon-s-surface-in-first-in-situ-recordings-hydrogen-search-underway-101693335242683.html |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The agency said the search for hydrogen (H) is also underway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Chandrayaan-3: Pragyaan rover detects presence of sulphur on Moon, search for hydrogen underway |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/chandrayaan-3-pragyaan-rover-detects-presence-of-sulphur-on-moon-search-for-hydrogen-underway-396161-2023-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829170550/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/chandrayaan-3-pragyaan-rover-detects-presence-of-sulphur-on-moon-search-for-hydrogen-underway-396161-2023-08-29 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>

 

On 31 August, ISRO released plasma density data from the RAMBHA Instrument aboard the Vikram lander. Initial assessments reported relatively low plasma densities above the lunar surface varying from 5 to 30 million electrons per m³. The evaluation pertains to early stages of the lunar day. The probe aims to explore the changes in the near-surface plasma environment throughout the duration of the lunar day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RAMBHA-LP on-board Chandrayaan-3 measures near-surface plasma content |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Ch3_Rambha-LP_near-surface_Plasma.html |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref>

 

On the same day, ISRO released data from the ILSA payload on the lander, providing vibration measurements of the rover movement on 25 August, and a presumed natural event on 26 August. The cause of the latter event is a subject of investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ILSA listens to the movements around the landing site |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Ch3_ILSA_Listens_Landing_Site.html |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref>

 

John Bridges, a professor of planetary science at the [[University of Leicester]], UK,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Professor John Bridges |url=https://le.ac.uk/people/john-bridges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829164116/https://le.ac.uk/people/john-bridges |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=le.ac.uk |language=en}}</ref> told ''[[New Scientist]]'' that due to the low pressure on the Moon it would be "unlikely" for Chandrayaan-3 to find liquid water near to the surface – even in areas where the temperature was above freezing point so water would not be trapped in ice – because it would boil away, although at lower depths the pressure could rise enough to allow liquid water. However, he also added that it's "too early" to interpret the readings from Chandrayaan-3. "But it's fantastic they're getting data", Bridges said. "You can't help comparing it to certain other space agencies; engineers are just getting on now and doing it. They're sort of overtaking Russia", he concluded.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matthew Sparkes |title=India's Chandrayaan-3 moon rover swerves to avoid crater |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2389515-indias-chandrayaan-3-moon-rover-swerves-to-avoid-crater/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201907/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2389515-indias-chandrayaan-3-moon-rover-swerves-to-avoid-crater/ |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=New Scientist |language=en-US}}</ref>

 

After putting the rover on Chandrayaan-3 in sleep mode, ISRO decided to experiment with the Vikram lander, with a 'hop' test for it, i.e. landing it again on the moon, which it successfully passed. On command, the lander fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40&nbsp;cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30–40&nbsp;cm away. This was seen as the Vikram lander 'exceeding' its mission objectives, with this ‘kick-start’ being a portend of future ability to propel returns as well as missions with humans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISRO: India's Vikram Lander Successfully Completes a 'Hop Experiment' on the Moon |url=https://thewire.in/space/isro-indias-vikram-lander-successfully-completes-a-hop-experiment-on-the-moon |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-09-04 |title=Chandrayaan-3 {{!}} Vikram hops on the Moon and lands safely |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/vikram-lander-makes-soft-landing-on-moon-again-successfully-undergoes-hop-test-isro/article67269019.ece |access-date=2023-09-05 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

 

This made Vikram the second lander to perform such a hop experiment after NASA's [[Surveyor 6]] in 1967.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramesh |first=Sandhya |last2=ThePrint |date=2023-09-05 |title=Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander performs a rare 'hop' on the moon — why this matters |url=https://theprint.in/science/chandrayaan-3s-vikram-lander-performs-a-rare-hop-on-the-moon-why-this-matters/1746730/ |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

 

[[Anil Bhardwaj]], the director of ISRO's [[Physical Research Laboratory]] (PRL) in Ahmedabad, told [[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] that there was an opportunity for ISRO to do something 'extra'. "When all scientific instruments on the lander and rover performed very well, an opportunity emerged to test the lander’s engines again." he added.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-3: Lander 'exceeds mission objectives' by successfully performing 'hop experiment', says ISRO |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/indian-space-research-organisation-puts-indias-moon-lander-and-rover-in-sleep-mode/cid/1963831 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> Girish Linganna, a space and aerospace expert, said that the hop experiment by the Vikram lander not only demonstrates the spacecraft's technical capabilities and reliability, but also provides inspiration and enthusiasm for future lunar exploration missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Vikram lander's lunar hop experiment is a significant achievement – The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2023/09/04/why-vikram-landers-lunar-hop-experiment-is-a-significant-achievement.amp.html |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=www.theweek.in}}</ref> Additionally, the experiment could potentially attract international investments into the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vikram lander's sudden hop on the Moon: Why it's a big deal |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/story/vikram-landers-sudden-hop-on-the-moon-why-its-a-big-deal-2430701-2023-09-04 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

 

Congratulating the ISRO team behind the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network in Bengaluru, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] announced that the touchdown point of the Vikram lander would henceforth be known as [[Shiv Shakti point]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-25 |title=Modi in Bengaluru Live Updates: Touchdown point of Vikram lander will be known as "Shivshakti Point", says PM |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-live-news-updates-traffic-weather-isro-chandrayaan-8908491/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826050751/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-live-news-updates-traffic-weather-isro-chandrayaan-8908491/ |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> He further declared 23 August, the day the Vikram lander landed on the Moon, as [[National Space Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=Modi in Bangalore Live: August 23 to be celebrated as National Space Day, announces PM Modi after ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Moon landing success |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-news-live-updates-isro-moon-landing-mission-vikram-lander-pragyan-rover-latest-photos-videos/liveblog/103038996.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826045031/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-news-live-updates-isro-moon-landing-mission-vikram-lander-pragyan-rover-latest-photos-videos/liveblog/103038996.cms |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=PM Modi announces August 23 as 'National Space Day', lauds Isro scientists |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-declares-august-23-as-national-space-day-chandrayaan-3-lands-successfully-on-moon-s-south-pole-101693025185154.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111334/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-declares-august-23-as-national-space-day-chandrayaan-3-lands-successfully-on-moon-s-south-pole-101693025185154.html |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

 

ISRO chief [[S. Somanath|S Somnath]] exclaimed "India is on the Moon" after Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down on the surface of the Moon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=ABP News |date=2023-08-23 |title='India First To Reach Moon's South Pole': ISRO Celebrates After Chandrayaan-3 Touchdown |url=https://news.abplive.com/science/india-first-to-reach-moon-s-south-pole-isro-celebrates-after-chandrayaan-3-touchdown-1624964 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}</ref> “We learnt a lot from our failure and corrected it. It's now 14 days of work and we have to conduct experiments,” he told [[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='Learnt from failure…': Isro chief S Somnath after Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/story/isro-chief-s-somnath-interview-after-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-2425642-2023-08-23 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

 

[[P Veeramuthuvel]], the Project Director of the mission said, "It's a great moment of happiness. On behalf of the team it gives me immense satisfaction on achieving this goal as the Project Director of the mission. The entire mission operations right from launch till landing happened flawlessly as per the timeline".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-24 |title=Team leaders behind the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/team-leaders-behind-the-success-of-chandrayaan-3-mission/articleshow/102996952.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-09-05 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> S. Mohana Kumar, the Mission Director said that Chandrayaan-3 was a 'team effort', and that the equipment suppliers played a key in achieving the milestone by delivering the mission critical consignments in a timely manner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-09-01 |title=Chandrayaan-3 was a team effort, says Mission Director S. Mohana Kumar |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/chandrayaan-3-was-a-team-effort-says-mission-director-s-mohana-kumar/article67260300.ece |access-date=2023-09-05 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

 

Meanwhile, former ISRO chief [[K. Sivan|K Sivan]], under whose tenure the [[Chandrayaan-2]] was launched said, "We are really excited to see this grand success. For this, we have been waiting for the last four years. This success is sweet news for us and for the entire nation."<ref>{{Cite web |title="Waiting For This For Last 4 Years": Ex ISRO Chief On Chandrayaan-3 Success |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ex-isro-chief-k-sivan-on-chandrayaan-3-success-waiting-for-this-for-last-4-years-4323273 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

 

[[Rahul Gandhi]], the leader of the opposition, also celebrated Chandrayaan-3’s success, calling it a result of “tremendous ingenuity and hard work” by the country’s scientific community. “Since 1962, India’s space program has continued to scale new heights and inspire generations of young dreamers,” he posted on X.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RahulGandhiX |url=https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1694335813700694179 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

 

[[Delhi]] Chief Minister [[Arvind Kejriwal]] too, congratulated the scientists of ISRO on the successful landing and termed it a “historic” moment. “This is historical. It’s a significant achievement for the country. It’s a matter of pride for all of us. The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a result of the hard work of all citizens, ISRO scientists, engineers, and employees. Congratulations to everyone involved. Bharat Mata ki jai.", he posted on X.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kejriwal |url=https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1694331572877656208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1694331572877656208%7Ctwgr%5E9e9d54f57ae31a56ddc9616ef56598477b636187%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chandrayaan3-from-rahul-gandhi-to-arvind-kejriwal-leaders-hail-chandrayaan-3s-success-101692799286775.html |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

 

[[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud|DY Chandrachud]], the [[Chief Justice of India]] hailed the landing as a "historic achievement" and congratulated ISRO on the feat. "It is with immense pride as a citizen of our great nation that I witnessed the remarkable landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon today," he said. "It is all the more significant because India is the only nation to have achieved the lunar landing on the south pole of the Moon. This will help new avenues and scientific research and discovery. Truly, this lunar landing represents a milestone in the onward march of our nation," he added.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-23 |title=CJI DY Chandrachud hails Chandrayaan-3 landing on Moon's South Pole as historic |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cji-dy-chandrachud-chandrayaan3-landing-moon-south-pole-historic-101692804170971.html |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

[[Category:2023 on the Moon]]

[[Category:Soft landings on the Moon]]