AMARAVATI: ISRO has announced the launch date of Chandrayaan-3, the next milestone in India's space exploration. If all the factors are favourable, the lunar mission will be launched on July 13 at 2:30 pm. ISRO is preparing for the third mission by incorporating the shortcomings of the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

The launch of Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 made India a force to be reckoned with in space. As the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon, India has priority there. However, the second mission, Chandrayaan-2, was only a partial success. The Vikram rover, which was launched as part of Chandrayaan-2, attempted to land on the lunar surface but failed. Therefore, the objective of Chandrayaan 3 is to make a successful soft landing at the South Pole of the Moon.

The lander and the rover are the only important instruments of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The orbiter launched on the second mission has continued working successfully and hence omitted this time. Instead of an orbiter, the propulsion module will carry the lander up to a distance of 100 km into the lunar orbit.

The launch will be conducted after rigorous tests to minimize the risk and increase the chances of success. The GSLV Mark 3 Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle will carry the Chandrayaan mission at a total cost of Rs 615 crore. India's flagship mission will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.