India’s Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission Enters Second Phase
- Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Announces New Developments
- Reviving Communication with Chandrayaan-3’s Lander and Rover a Top Priority
- India Poised to Lead in Lunar Exploration
- New Space Launch Station in Tamil Nadu Nears Inauguration
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Sep 21, 2023: India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is set to embark on its second phase, as Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, made an exciting announcement regarding the mission’s progress. Dr. Singh revealed that this new phase would commence with the break of dawn on the Moon, following a 14-day hiatus.
In response to an extended debate in the Lok Sabha titled “Success of Chandrayaan-3 and other achievements of our Nation in the Space Sector,” Dr. Jitendra Singh shared significant updates. He disclosed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively working on reestablishing communication with Chandrayaan-3’s solar-powered lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyan, with the intention of reviving them to continue scientific experiments.
Dr. Singh emphasized that India is poised to become the world’s first nation to initiate the second phase of a lunar mission after reactivating the communication circuit. Notably, the lander and rover were placed in a sleep mode on September 4 and September 2, respectively, in preparation for the lunar night, which lasts for 14 days. The extreme lunar temperature variation, ranging from minus 150 degrees Celsius at night to 100 degrees Celsius during the day, presents a formidable challenge. However, the hope is that the solar batteries and panels will facilitate the beginning of this groundbreaking second phase.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition members regarding budget cuts for ISRO, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified that ISRO’s budget has surged by over 142 percent from Rs 5,168 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 12,543 crore in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, he highlighted that the budgets for all Science Ministries and Departments have also experienced substantial increases, rising from Rs 21,025 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 57,303 crore in 2022-23, marking an impressive growth of over 172 percent.
Additionally, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that a new Space Launch Station is nearing completion in Thoothukkudi, Tamil Nadu, with 90 percent of the land acquisition process already accomplished. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to expedite the remaining work, anticipating the station’s upcoming inauguration.
Dr. Singh acknowledged the pivotal role played by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in enabling the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He emphasized that PM Modi substantially increased allocations for space research, leading to remarkable advancements in India’s space endeavors. This support, he stated, has resulted in a significant increase in space startups, from just four in 2014 to an impressive 150 today.
Highlighting the economic implications of India’s space initiatives, Dr. Singh stated that out of the 424 foreign satellites launched by ISRO since the 1990s, over 90 percent, or 389, were launched in the past nine years. These launches have generated revenue of $174 million, with $157 million earned in the last nine years alone. Moreover, European satellite launches have yielded 256 million Euros, with 90 percent earned in the last nine years. These statistics underscore the substantial growth and accelerated pace of India’s space endeavors.
India’s space economy is currently valued at approximately $8 billion, with projections estimating it will reach $40 billion by 2040. According to the ADL (Arthur D Little) Report, the country could potentially achieve $100 billion in this sector by 2040.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised India’s cost-effective approach to space missions, citing Chandrayaan-3 as an example. While a failed Russian moon mission cost Rs 16,000 crores, the Chandrayaan-3 mission incurred costs of approximately Rs 600 crores. India has managed to balance costs through its expertise and skills in the field.
The Minister called upon Members of Parliament to rise above parochial considerations, affirming that the Center is not imposing the Hindi language on any state. He emphasized that the success of Chandrayaan-3 is the result of collective efforts from scientists across the country, particularly non-IIT engineers hailing from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh celebrated ISRO as a reflection of India’s diverse culture and composite heritage. He noted that the pioneers of India’s space program, including Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, hailed from various backgrounds and different states. He encouraged everyone to applaud the contribution of scientists, particularly women scientists, in Chandrayaan-3’s success and urged collective efforts to make India a global leader in space exploration. Dr. Singh envisioned India as a developed nation by 2047, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for the country’s centenary of independence.
