If everything goes normal then landing on the moon is expected on August 23 at around 5.47 PM IST, says ISRO chief S Somanath on Chandrayaan-3.
PM Modi on Friday tweeted, "Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India's space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists' relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity"
The Indian Space Research Organisation launched its third lunar mission--Chandrayaan 3 on-board the heavylift LVM3-M4 rocket here on Friday. At the end of the 25.30 hour countdown, the LVM3-M4 rocket, the largest and heaviest in its class and dubbed as 'Fat Boy' lifted off majestically at a prefixed time at 2.35 pm from the second launch pad, discharging thick plumes of smoke. Thousands of spectators who had converged to witness the historic launch cheered the rocket as it made its ascent into the skies.
It is 'D-Day' here at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre as thousands of people comprising families and journalists have descended here to witness India's attempt at creating history with the launch of Chandrayaan 3, the Indian Space Research Organisation's third lunar mission.
Despite scorching heat and a forecast of dry weather, passenger vehicles carrying ardent space enthusiasts were making a beeline to this spaceport. LVM3-M4 rocket will be carrying Chandrayaan 3. Over 10,000 persons from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka arrived here since early morning and they would be allowed to witness the launch from the dedicated space gallery set up by ISRO adjacent to the main entrance of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).
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