A month and a half of sheer anticipation and excitement has passed since Chandrayaan-3 blasted off from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
On August 23, 2023, the spacecraft is about to make history by landing on the south pole of the Moon. With all orbit and deceleration maneuvers successfully completed, the spacecraft is now pinpointing the ideal spot for a soft landing.
While everyone is excited about the mission itself, it’s about time we turned the spotlight on the remarkable people who have made this historic event possible. So, let’s meet some of the unsung heroes behind the pride of India, Chandrayaan-3.
S Somanath, President of ISRO
Leading the group is S Somanath, who took command of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) last year. His leadership has not only been instrumental for Chandrayaan-3, but has also accelerated other important missions such as Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission into space, and Aditya-L1, the mission designed to study the sun.
Before taking over as Chairman of ISRO, Somanath was very busy as director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Center. Both centers are instrumental in developing the rocket technologies that make ISRO’s missions possible.
The countdown to the landing of Chandrayaan-3 has begun and the tension is palpable. But it’s comforting to know that experts like Somanath and his dedicated team are at the helm. His tireless efforts and experience are propelling India into a new era of space exploration, making it a moment of national pride for all.
As we eagerly await the landing of Chandrayaan-3, let’s take a moment to appreciate the amazing people behind the scenes. Your dedication and hard work are truly the driving forces that make such monumental achievements possible. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking mission!
P Veeramuthuvel, Chandrayaan-3 project manager
As we all eagerly await Chandrayaan-3’s historic landing on the Moon’s south pole, let’s not forget the mission’s masterminds. One such prominent figure is P Veeramuthuvel, the Chandrayaan-3 project manager, who took the reins in 2019.
You may recognize Veeramuthuvel’s name from his important role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Hailing from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, he is not just any engineer but an esteemed student at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). His technical acumen has been a cornerstone of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, and he has been pouring his heart and soul into it for the past four years.
Given his history and the meticulous work he has been involved in, it is clear that Veeramuthuvel is a powerhouse of technical knowledge. His skills and dedication are part of what is bringing India to the forefront of space exploration.
So, as the clock ticks down towards the early landing of Chandrayaan-3, let’s pay tribute to Veeramuthuvel and the rest of the brilliant minds working tirelessly behind the scenes. They are the ones making India’s great leap into the future of space exploration a reality. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking mission!
S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center
As the world awaits with bated breath the monumental Chandrayaan-3 moon landing, let’s shed light on another key player in this epic space saga: Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair. He’s the guy who, along with his stellar team at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), makes sure the spacecraft actually gets to where it’s supposed to go.
Under the leadership of Dr. Unnikrishnan, the VSSC team has developed the rocket that powers this mission. Officially known as the Mark-III Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), it now has a more appealing name: Mark-III Launch Vehicle.
Dr. Unnikrishnan is not just a brilliant aerospace engineer; He is also a proud alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science. But his talent is not limited to the stratosphere. When he’s not busy building rockets, believe it or not, he likes to write short stories. That’s right, the man who helps write India’s future in space also knows a thing or two about crafting narratives!
So whether it is propelling India towards the new frontiers of space or the exciting world of fairy tales, Dr. Unnikrishnan is a master of both. As we get closer to the groundbreaking landing of Chandrayaan-3, let’s take a moment to appreciate the multifaceted individuals like Dr. Unnikrishnan who are making this dream mission a reality. Stay tuned for more updates and, who knows, maybe even a short story or two from the man himself!
M Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Center
As the countdown to the historic Chandrayaan-3 moon landing continues, let us not forget the architects of India’s lofty aspirations. One such person is M Sankaran, director of the UR Rao Satellite Center (URSC), who took command in June 2021.
Under Sankaran’s watchful eye, the URSC team has been busy designing and building the satellites that form the backbone of ISRO’s various missions. Whether for communications, weather forecasting, remote sensing, navigation or even planetary exploration, Sankaran and his team ensure that ISRO’s satellite needs are more than met.
Simply put, M Sankaran is essentially the go to person for anything satellite related at ISRO. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that the URSC satellites not only meet but exceed the various requirements of the myriad ISRO projects.
So, as the world turns its eyes to the moon, awaiting the momentous landing of Chandrayaan-3, let’s give a nod to people like Sankaran who make it all possible. It is they who go the extra mile in satellite technology, ensuring that India’s presence in space is felt more strongly with each passing day.
Stay with us for more updates on India’s exciting journey into space, made possible by the likes of M Sankaran and his dedicated team at URSC!
Mohana Kumar, mission director
As the Chandrayaan-3 mission nears its epic lunar landing, let’s meet another key player making it all happen: S Mohanna Kumar, LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission Manager and Senior Scientist at Vikram Sarabhai Space . Center (VSSC).
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Mohanna was the commercial launch manager for the One Web India 2 satellites on the LVM3-M3 mission. Clearly the guy knows a thing or two about getting things off the ground!
Mohanna recently spoke about the success of the LVM3-M4, stating, “The LVM3-M4 has once again proven to be the most reliable heavy-duty vehicle for ISRO. Congratulations on the teamwork of the ISRO family.” This is not only a pat on the back to her team, but also a testament to the reliability and robustness of the launch vehicles they are working on.
But don’t think Mohanna’s team is resting on its laurels. Oh no, they are already thinking of ways to make LVM even more secure and reliable, with the goal of increasing the frequency of releases. It seems they are preparing for an even busier future in space exploration.
So, while we await the momentous landing of Chandrayaan-3, let’s virtually high-five S Mohanna Kumar and her team. They are not just launching rockets; they are sending India’s aspirations through the roof.
Keep an eye on this space for more updates on the brilliant minds driving India’s ambitious space programs!
To Rajarajan, Head of the Launch Authorization Board
If you have been following the rumors about India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, you may have heard of A Rajarajan, the director of the Satish Dhawan SHAR Space Center (SDSC SHAR) located at Sriharikota, India’s main spaceport.
It’s not just a comfortable title; Rajarajan has a lot of responsibilities. He is the man behind the successful production of robust engines and the necessary infrastructure for the launch complexes, which are critical not only to ISRO’s regular missions but also to special ones such as the Human Space Program (Gaganyaan) and the Space Vehicle. Small Satellite Launch (SSLV).
After the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, a jubilant Rajarajan had this to say: “Once again, the ‘fat boy’ has done his job and got Chandrayaan-3 right into orbit. I congratulate all the teams on the perfect pitch.” If you’re wondering, “fat boy” is a term of affection for the launch vehicle, and Rajarajan’s words are a testament to the hard work put in by everyone involved.
But let’s not forget that Rajarajan is just one of many heroes in this great space saga. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is the fruit of the work of countless ISRO scientists, engineers and technicians who work tirelessly behind the scenes. They may be unsung heroes, but their contributions are helping India literally leave its mark on the surface of the moon.
So here’s a shout out to A Rajarajan and all the other brilliant minds who have made India proud through their contributions to the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Let us remember, as we await a successful moon landing, that this is not just the work of a few: it is the achievement of a nation.
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on India’s trip to the moon and the people who made it happen!
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn