Indian Space Agency Imposes Ban On Digging And Construction Activities For Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Tamil Nadu(India), 9th July 2023: The Indian space agency is making progress with its upcoming moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, which is scheduled for launch on July 14. To ensure uninterrupted communication for essential pre-launch tests conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (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.

Temporary restrictions have been put in place to safeguard critical communication lines, including optical fibre cables, which are vital for the mission’s success. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is responsible for maintaining the major communication links that connect ISRO’s space centre, running through key roads like NH5 (Chennai-Perambur-Gummidipundi), NH205 (Chennai-Tiruvallur), SH56 (Perambur-Ponneri), and SH50 (Tiruvallur-Uthukotai). These links also provide connectivity to various locations in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Tiruvallur districts.

The stability of communication lines is crucial for transmitting critical data to control 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 ISRO Chairman 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. In the past year, the spacecraft underwent crucial tests to confirm its capability to endure the challenging vibrations and acoustic conditions experienced duri

ng launch.