Chandrayaan-3 Mission Total Cost: India’s Cost-Effective Lunar Endeavor
In a significant stride for India’s space endeavors, the Chandrayaan-3 mission is poised to captivate not only the nation but also the global community. Nearly four years following the Chandrayaan-2 setback, the Chandrayaan-3’s lander module, accompanied by its rover, is primed for a historic lunar touchdown at 6:04 pm today. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has affirmed that this ambitious lunar mission is proceeding as scheduled.
A National Achievement
The impending lunar touchdown marks a momentous occasion for India. As the nation’s third lunar expedition, Chandrayaan-3 stands larger in scope than its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, while remaining remarkably cost-effective. The financial outlay for this mission is notably lesser than both the preceding lunar endeavors and even the budget allocated for the recently released film “Adipurush.” Delve into the financial aspect of this Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) venture.
Chandrayaan-3: A Frugal Endeavor
Chandrayaan-3 embarked on its journey from the ISRO Space Center in Sriharikota on July 14, just last month. Currently situated in close lunar orbit, it is poised to etch a new chapter in space exploration. A successful outcome would establish India as the pioneer in reaching the enigmatic South Pole of the Moon, a feat accomplished at a fraction of the cost expended by other nations for their lunar pursuits.
The cost factor is among the many intriguing aspects of Chandrayaan-3. Its fiscal investment pales in comparison to the substantial sums allocated for infrastructure and road development within the nation. Remarkably, even the construction of the Dwarka Expressway linking Delhi and Haryana amounted to approximately 9,000 crore rupees. Additionally, Chandrayaan-3’s cost falls below the 700-crore rupee budget earmarked for the film “Adipurush.” The actual cost of the Chandrayaan-3 mission might astound you.
Chandrayaan-3’s Financial Allocations
In 2020, former ISRO chief K Sivan disclosed that the Chandrayaan-3 mission was crafted at an approximate expense of 615 crore rupees. This sum encompassed 250 crores for the lander, rover, and propulsion module, while the launch service accounted for around 365 crore rupees. With an estimated total of 615 crore rupees invested, Chandrayaan-3 stands as one of the most economically efficient space missions undertaken in the nation’s history.
Notably, the cost of Chandrayaan-2 surpassed that of its successor. A grand total of 978 crore rupees was dedicated to Chandrayaan-2. For context, even Russia’s Luna-25 moon mission, which recently encountered setbacks, incurred a cost of approximately 1,659 crore rupees. Intriguingly, the budget of Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Recording Part One” surpassed that of Chandrayaan-3 by more than threefold, amounting to a staggering 2,386 crore rupees (or $290 million).
