Chandrayaan-3 captures stunning close-up of moon’s cater-filled landscape: Watch Video Link

An Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 has captured stunning close-up views of the moon's crater-filled landscape, reminiscent of Swiss cheese. Chandrayaan-3 has spent the past three days orbiting the moon about 100 miles above its surface. This serene phase precedes the critical task ahead – landing the robot on the lunar regolith.

As the Indian Space Research Organization progresses, the spacecraft will be maneuvered closer to the moon's south pole, its ultimate destination. While India has successfully entered lunar orbit thrice before, the upcoming challenge lies in achieving a successful moon landing – a feat it hasn't yet mastered. Chandrayaan-2, India's previous mission, ended in a crash during its landing attempt in 2019.

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The next moon landing attempt is scheduled for August 23. If successful, India will become the fourth nation to achieve this monumental feat, following the footsteps of the Soviet Union, the United States, and China.

Over the past few years, both private ventures and other spacefaring countries have struggled with moon landings. Challenges arise due to the moon's minimal atmosphere, which offers little drag for slowing down spacecraft, and the absence of GPS systems for navigation. Successfully landing on the moon remains an intricate task, with less than half of all attempts succeeding.

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) plans to utilize a rover similar to the one used in their previous mission, incorporating improvements. After performing maneuvers in space, the propulsion module will separate from the lander. The vehicle will then execute intricate braking maneuvers to ensure a safe landing, compensating for the moon's unique conditions from a distance of 239,000 miles. If India accomplishes this feat, it will solidify its position alongside the Soviet Union, the United States, and China as a nation that has successfully landed on the moon.