As the Count-down for Chandrayaan-3 safe landing begins, the mission schedule is intact says ISRO Chief

By R. Anil Kumar

Bangalore, August 22. The ISRO Control room in Bengaluru was abuzz with activities and filled with air of nervousness and excitement, with Engineers and Scientists double-checking every detail of Chandrayaan-3 Mission plans and verifying calculations.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath was seen unperturbed by the situation and was brimming in confidence on the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, becoming successful. “All’s well and going according to plans”, Somanath said.

As calm as ever, taking time out ahead of the crucial landing day, Somanath speaking to R. Anil Kumar, India Strategic, said the confidence stems from all the preparations and the hitch-free progress made by the integrated module and the landing module that is happening in their journey to the moon.

“Everything is going according to Plans and there have been no contingencies faced until now and we are confident of achieving our goal. We have done all the preparations and all the systems are performing as desired,” Somanath said.

Now we are preparing for the safe landing with multiple simulations and double verification of the systems, checking of instruments health has been done, yesterday and today, he stated.

Meanwhile, ISRO has released pictures of the far side of the Moon-the Lunar Hemisphere that always faces away from Earth-a day after the lander Vikram entered the pre-landing orbit of 25kmx 134km, from where landing will be attempted on August 23.

The lunar far side area was captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC).

This camera which assists in locating a safe landing area-without boulders or deep trenches-during the descent is being developed by ISRO Satellite Application Centre (SAC).