Chandrayaan-3: India launches historic mission in bid to become fourth nation on the Moon

Plus: Scientists successfully demonstrate a new method to make nuclear fusion pellets [Blueprint]( The spacecraft – Chandrayaan-3 successfully launched on a month-long mission dedicated to lunar exploration on Friday, July 14 at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). A follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, the spacecraft took off on a Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LM-3) rocket from the spaceport Sriharihota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 2.35 pm IST (5:05 am ET, and 9:05 GMT). LVM3 is India's biggest and heaviest launch vehicle, and this is the rocket’s fourth operational flight. If the mission goes to plan, it will make India the fourth nation, after the US, Russia, and China, to perform a successful Moon landing. Learn more about the mission in our [Must Read article](. 🎬 But first, here’s your [video of the day](. Good morning. I’m Shubhangi, an editorial assistant at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let’s get into it. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers learned how low-power photovoltaic cells could replace disposable batteries. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( Why are F-16s and AGM-88 Harm missiles crucial for Ukraine? In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the battle for airspace supremacy has proven to be a critical factor in determining the course of the conflict. Despite the formidable Russian air force, Ukraine has managed to maintain a contested airspace, thanks in part to the potency of Western air defense systems. Must Read [Chandrayaan-3: India launches historic mission in bid to become fourth nation on the Moon]( Following Chandrayaan-3 successful launch, the spacecraft embarks on a month-long trip to reach lunar orbit on this Friday, 14 July. This $75 million mission comprises a lander, propulsion module, and rover. The country hopes to accomplish what its predecessor Chandryaan-2 could not: a soft landing on the lunar surface. Now the world awaits Chandrayaan-3's safe and soft landing on the south pole, where no spacecraft has ever gone before. If all goes well, this mission will be the first in history to soft-land near the lunar south pole — putting India ahead of all other powerful countries. All soft landings have taken place in the equatorial area of the lunar surface. 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