Jennifer Doudna

Sharing a tweet by ISRO, PM Modi tweeted: “Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!”

The 43.5 metre tall rocket weighing about 642 ton furiously rushed towards the skies with thick orange flame leaving behind an anaconda like long and thick white smoke. The rocket is nicknamed as `Bahubali’ as like the well built hero in the successful film lifting a heavy Lingam, the rocket carries the 3.8-tonne Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

"There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres," a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS preferring anonymity.

But the most glaring difference between Chandrayaan 2 and 3 missions is the sex of the people helming the two moon missions. While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is tightlipped about its people helming the Chandrayaan-3 project, it is learnt the Chandrayaan-3 will be an all male affair.

“The countdown is progressing smoothly. The 48 hour weather forecast is also good. The rocket systems are being checked. The rocket is expected to fly away as scheduled on Friday at 2.35 p.m.” a senior Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

The Chandranaar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples, all located near Kumbakonam, and devotees pray at these temples to get rid of negative planetary influence on them.A special puja was also organised for the success of Chandrayaan-1 before the rocket lifted off in 2008, V. Kannan, Retired Manager at the Sri Kailasanathar Temple or Chandranaar Temple told IANS.

"The 'Launch Rehearsal' simulating the entire launch preparation and process lasting 24 hours has been concluded," said the Indian space agency on Monday. And just after 2.50 p.m. on July 14, India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will begin its own long moon journey after being ejected by the rocket LVM3, it said.