According to experts, the mission also aims to measure the thermal properties of the Moon’s surface near the polar region, search for seismic activity around the landing site, and delineate the structure of the crust and mantle.

Chandrayaan-3 (“mooncraft”) will travel along an elliptical orbit to the Moon’s surface in approximately thirty days, and will carry out the research in three phases.

Scientists said that mission is an important step for the benefit of the world, and to demonstrate India’s proficiency in advancing in the space age. Its success will make it possible to collect crucial information for future international space missions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a post in social networks highlighting the importance of Chandrayaan-3 at present, calling it a “remarkable” mission that will carry India’s hopes and dreams.

He recalled India’s track record in space matters, and mentioned Chandrayaan-1, considered a pioneer among global lunar missions, which confirmed the presence of water molecules on the Moon, he said.

Chandrayaan-2 was equally innovative because the data from the orbiter associated with the mission revealed the presence of chromium, manganese and sodium for the first time through remote sensing, Modi said.

The mission’s scientific results include the first global map of lunar sodium, the enhanced knowledge about the distribution of the size of craters, and the unequivocal detection of water ice on the Moon’s surface.

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