India Moon Landing Mission Chandrayaan-3 Set for Liftoff
The 3,900-kg Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft (lunar lander, propulsion module, rover) now encapsulated in LVM3 payload fairing as ISRO makes final preparations for 14 July, 02:35 IST launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre – India citizens invited to register for Launch View Gallery, vantage from southern areas of Sriharikota island / Pulicat Lake also available; Landing in MSP region (69.37°S, 32.35°E) expected 23-24 August; Mission duration is 1 lunar day (~14 Earth days) nominal, however ISRO Chairman S. Somanath is hopeful of 2nd lunar day extended operations if lander / rover survive night and recharge via solar panels