The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked its third lunar expedition, launching on July 14, 2023. The spacecraft aims to land a rover on the moon’s surface in August, focusing on studying seismic activity and thermal attributes.
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Moon’s Role in Life and Earth’s Evolution:
Since the 1960s, over 110 missions globally have ventured to study the moon, significantly enhancing our comprehension not only of the lunar surface but also Earth and life’s emergence.
Evidence suggests the moon played a vital role in seeding and shaping life. Its absence would have significantly altered Earth’s composition, potentially influencing the development of different life forms, even questioning human existence.
Current Lunar Presence and Achievements:
Presently, five orbiters and one rover are active on the moon. Despite 47 soft landing attempts, only 20 have been successful, including Russia’s Luna, America’s Surveyor and Apollo missions, and China’s Chang’e 5.
India’s Previous Lunar Endeavors:
Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, confirmed the presence of water on the moon, marking a historic milestone. Chandrayaan-2, initiated in 2019, aimed to reach the lunar south pole but faced a setback during the soft landing of its lander while the orbiter remains functional.
Chandrayaan-3’s Objective:
The recent mission, Chandrayaan-3, anticipates a soft landing by late August 2023 near the moon’s south pole on its near side. This expedition comprises a propulsion module, lander, and rover, designed to conduct extensive research on the lunar surface.
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