SS Latest News
India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna 25 are nearing their moon landing attempts. Chandrayaan-3, launched on July 14, is set to land on August 23 after successful maneuvers. Luna 25, launched on August 11, aims for a soft landing between August 21-23. Both target the moon’s south pole.
Chandrayaan-3 details:
- Launched on July 14, reached moon’s orbit on August 5.
- Vikram lander to attempt soft landing on August 23.
- Pragyaan rover to follow, conducting 14-day scientific exploration.
Luna 25 details:
- Launched on August 11, direct route to moon.
- Expected to enter moon’s orbit on August 16.
- Lander mission, aims to study moon soil and search for water/ice.
Comparison:
- Chandrayaan-3: 40 days to moon, medium-lift rocket, 3,921 kg, lander + rover.
- Luna 25: 10 days, heavy-lift rocket, 1,750 kg, lander (800 kg), 1-year mission.
- Both seek successful south pole soft-landing, Russia’s last lunar mission in 1976.
Future plans:
- Russia plans Luna 26 and 27 missions.
- India signed Artemis Accords with the US, aiming for moon habitation.