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A moment of history created when ISRO ( Indian Space Research Organisation ) has successfully launched Chandrayaan – 3 on 14th July, 2023 at 2:35 pm from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is their third lunar mission. Chandrayaan – 1 was launched on 22nd October, 2008 and Chandrayaan – 2 was launched on 22nd July, 2019. Chandrayaan – 3 was successfully launched by LVM3 M4 vehicle into its precise orbit. It is expected to land on the lunar surface on 23rd August, 2023. The mission life ( Lander and Rover ) on the lunar surface is 1 Lunar day or 14th Earth days. It consists – a Propulsion Module or PM, an Indigenous Lander Module or LM and a Rover. The Lander Module is named as ‘ Vikram ‘ and the Rover is known as ‘ Pragyan ‘ .

Main objectives of the missions are – 1.demonstrating safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, 2. demonstrating Rover roving on the moon , 3. conducting in- Situ scientific experiments.

Many advanced technologies are used in the mission like – Laser and RF based Altimeters, Velocimeters, Inertial measurements, Propulsion system, NGC or Navigation, Guidance and Control, Hazard detection and avoidance, Landing Leg Mechanism.

The Propulsion Module is used to carry the LM from launch vehicle injection till final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and to separate the LM from PM.

The Lander Module will use ChaSTE or Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature. It will also use Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity for the measurement of seismicity around the landing site. It will also use LP or Langmuir Probe to estimate the plasma density and variation.

The Rover will use Alpha Particle X- ray Spectrometer or APXS to determine the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks around the landing site. It will use Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope ( LIBS ) to derive the elemental composition, infer mineralogical composition, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the elements to give us more information about the lunar surface.

We are all hoping for its success and if it happens then India will be the only fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to achieve this.


A . Read the passage carefully and answer the questions below – 1×3=3

1 . Write the name of the Lander Module of the Chandrayaan – 3 .

2. What is the expected date for the Chandrayaan – 3 to land safely on the lunar surface?

3. What is the duration of the mission life of Chandrayaan – 3 ?


B. Fill in the blanks with suitable information from the passage – 1×3=3

1 . The name of the Rover is ——————-.

2. Chandrayaan – 3 was launched successfully from ————————————
————————————————————.

3. The launch vehicle of Chandrayaan – 3 is ——————————.

C. Answer the questions in brief –

1 . In which years Chandrayaan – 1 and Chandrayaan – 2 were launched respectively? 2



2 . Mention the objectives of the mission Chandrayaan – 3 . 3







3. Mention the types of technologies which will be used in the mission . 3







4. What will be the functions expected to be performed by the Lander Module and which technologies will be used ? 2





5. What will be the functions expected to be performed by the Rover and which technologies will be used ? 2


D. Give a suitable title to the passage and provide reason for choosing the title . 2





Writing Skills –

1 . Write a paragraph on Chandrayaan – 3 . 10




2. Write a newspaper report on the launch of Chandrayaan – 3 . 10




3. Write a Precis based on the passage given above. 10





4. Write a letter to your friend describing your excitement about the mission Chandrayaan – 3. 10



5. Suppose the Science department of your school or college has organised a group discussion on – ‘ Chandrayaan – 3 and its significance ‘ . Being a participant in the discussion , what will be your views and points? Write down those . 10