LVM3-M4: The Rocket that Launched Chandrayaan-3

LVM3 the versatile and heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO capable of launching ~4000 kg class of satellite, was used for the third lunar exploration mission of India, Chandrayaan-3 (CH3). The primary objective of CH3 was to demonstrate soft landing followed by roving on lunar surface at South Pole and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments. Prior to this mission, LVM3 launch vehicle had demonstrated its reliability through the six consecutive successful missions which included one experimental, two developmental and three operational missions. Considering the national importance of CH3 mission, the robustness in design of LVM3 was further enhanced through numerous improvements. These changes in vehicle systems were inducted in record time after adequate validation and the vehicle integration was completed within 73 days of launch campaign commencement. The mission design, simulation and validation activities were also completed concurrently meeting the launch schedule. The fourth consecutive operational mission for LVM3, the LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3mission lifted off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of SDSC, SHAR on 14th July 2023 at 14:37:17 hrs and CH3 spacecraft was injected into a precise orbit of 169.7 x 36,490.7 km. The overall performances of all the stages are satisfactory and the Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft was injected close to nominal targeted orbit of 170 x 36,500 km.