Sriharikota : The Chandrayaan-3 Launch was proclaimed a success in 16 minutes. Now all we have to wait 40 days to see if India’s third Moon mission will be a success. After perfect Launch Chandrayaan-3 starts 40-days trek. To leave Earth orbit july 31, Enter Moon Orbit August 5. Mission life is 1 lunar day (14 Earth days). Carries Lander and a rover with six payloads and propulsion module with one payload.

ISRO’s LVM-3 lifted off from   Sriharikota at a 2.35pm amidst roars and applause around 10,000 spectators at the spaceport—and millions who eagerly watched the live stream. At 3.01pm, the “mooncraft” was in the precise transfer orbit of 36,000km x 170km.

PM Narendra modi tweeted from France “It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is atestament to our scientists relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity”.

Chandrayaan-3 project director P  Veeramuthavel  confirmed that all the health parameters of the spacecraft are normal. “ The journey has been begun,”  and “ Now for the critical  soft-landing “, he said.

Candrayaan-3 will go around Earth 10 times till July 31, each time scienties carrying out manoeuvres to increase its farthest point from Earth (apogee).  The first one will be at 12.05 on Saturday.” A scientist said. Once the apogee reaches 1 lakh km, the scientists will perform a “slingshot” to send it on a trajectory to the Moon ( tanslunar insertion).

Five and half days later, the craft will enter the critical lunar orbit insertion stage. This will be carried out by firing onboard propulsion systems to get the spacecraft into the Moon’s orbit. “ The spacecraft’s altitude will be reduced to a 100km circular orbit and the landing module will get separated on August 17”, ISRO Chairman Somanath said.

Chandrayaan-3 seeks to study moonquakes, composition of the lunar surface and atmosphere, understand Earth’s life-like elements/signatures, how heat passes through the lunar surface and the plasma environment on the Moon.