Tamil Nadu, India – July 9th, 2023: The Indian space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is making significant progress with its upcoming moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, scheduled for launch on July 14. To ensure uninterrupted communication for essential pre-launch tests conducted by ISRO, the telecom division of Sriharikota in Tamil Nadu’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre has imposed a ban on all digging and construction activities in the area until the launch day.
The temporary restrictions aim to safeguard critical communication lines, including optical fibre cables, which play a vital role in the success of the mission. The responsibility of maintaining these major communication links lies with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). These communication links connect ISRO’s space centre and run through key roads like NH5 (Chennai-Perambur-Gummidipundi), NH205 (Chennai-Tiruvallur), SH56 (Perambur-Ponneri), and SH50 (Tiruvallur-Uthukotai). They also provide connectivity to various locations in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Tiruvallur districts.
The stability of these communication lines is crucial for transmitting critical data that controls the mission. By implementing the ban, the telecom division aims to ensure uninterrupted communication and prevent any damage to BSNL’s optical fibre cables caused by activities such as road widening, repairs, and digging from July 9 to July 14.
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and aims to demonstrate safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The spacecraft consists of three modules: propulsion, lander, and rover. It is scheduled to launch on July 14 at 2:35 pm IST from SDSC, Sriharikota, using the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III). The Chairman of ISRO has stated that the space agency will attempt a soft landing of the lander on either August 23 or August 24.
The objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is to investigate various aspects of the Moon’s composition and environment. Equipped with a range of scientific instruments, the mission aims to analyze the thermo-physical properties of the lunar regolith, study lunar seismic activity, examine the plasma environment on the lunar surface, and assess the elemental composition in the area surrounding the landing site. Over the past year, the spacecraft has undergone crucial tests to confirm its capability to endure the challenging vibrations and acoustic conditions experienced during launch.
The ban on digging and construction activities in the area surrounding the launch site is a necessary step to ensure the successful execution of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. By safeguarding the communication lines, ISRO can conduct pre-launch tests smoothly and transmit critical data for a successful lunar landing and exploration.
