Chandrayaan 3: Nation eagerly awaits the launch of lunar mission

As the clock ticks for ISRO's high-profile launch of the year, the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, all eyes are on the launch. Scientists are keen to taste success with a soft landing on the lunar surface and put the country in an elite club of nations that have accomplished the challenging task. 'Fat boy' LVM3-M4 rocket will carry Chandrayaan-3 today as part of the country's ambitious moon mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching the hugely-anticipated mission from this spaceport at 2.35 pm (IST) .

Scientists at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, after investing many hours of hardwork, now aim at mastering the technology of soft-landing on the surface of the moon. Credit: PTI Photo

A success would make India only the fourth country to achieve the feat after the United States, China and the former Soviet Union. Credit: PTI Photo

Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission ready for take-off in the fourth operational mission (M4) of LVM3 launcher. Credit: Twitter/@isro

ISRO Chairman S Somnath speaks with the media after offering prayers at a temple ahead of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission, in Tirupati on July 13. Credit: PTI Photo

Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand art to wish good luck to ISRO scientists ahead of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission, in Puri. Credit: PTI Photo

The Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) M4 with Chandrayaan-3 being shifted to the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Credit: PTI Photo

The Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) M4 vehicle with Chandrayaan-3 at the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Credit: PTI Photo