India launched its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon successfully on Friday. The spacecraft was launched aboard India’s heaviest rocket, Launch vehicle Mark-III a.k.a LVM3, on a journey to the Moon, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The spacecraft will complete the 3,84,000 kilometers long journey in nearly 45 days to attempt a soft-landing on the Moon by August-end.
Chandrayaan-3 mission: Spacecraft lifts off successfully from Sriharikota
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Television footage showed LVM3 launch rocket blast off, leaving behind a plume of smoke and fire. A success would make India only the fourth country to achieve the feat after the United States, China and erstwhile USSR.
Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission in the fourth operational mission (M4) of LVM3 launcher, formerly the GSLVMkIII rocket.
The 25.30 hour countdown for the lift off commenced at 1.05 pm on Thursday. “Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity,” tweeted PM Narendra Modi who is currently on a state visit to France.