India counts down to third lunar exploration mission

An Indian spacecraft will set off for the moon next month in far more hi-tech conditions than its first rocket launch 60 years ago. © Pixabay / rkarkowski

Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 sets off for the moon this month – a further step in the country's 60-year-old space odyssey.

Chandrayaan-3, slinging a lander and buggy, will be launched by India’s most powerful rocket – 43.5 metres long and weighing 640 tons – after the launch window opens for a week on 12 July.