The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as it successfully executed the final orbit reduction manoeuvre for the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, a week ahead of its scheduled landing on the moon.
Orbit Reduction Success
The successful firing of the manoeuvre, which lasted for a short duration, has positioned Chandrayaan-3 into an intended orbit of 153 km x 163 km. With this accomplishment, the series of lunar-bound manoeuvres have been concluded, ISRO announced.
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on July 14, is anticipated to touch down on the South Polar region of the Moon on August 23. The spacecraft was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and underwent a series of orbital manoeuvres to gradually approach the moon’s surface.
Next Stages of the Mission
Following the completion of the lunar-bound manoeuvres, the focus of the Chandrayaan-3 mission now shifts to the next stages of preparations. Both the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module are gearing up for their separate journeys.
The scheduled separation of the Lander Module from the Propulsion Module is planned for August 17, further advancing the mission’s progress.
India’s Lunar Landing Aspirations
India’s ambitious lunar aspirations aim to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon, which would make the nation the fourth globally to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, is a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, which faced challenges during its lunar landing attempt in 2019. Chandrayaan-3 showcases India’s determination to demonstrate its complete capability for a secure and gentle lunar landing, as well as successful lunar roaming.
Components and Goals of Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3’s components include an array of electronic and mechanical subsystems designed to ensure a safe and gentle landing. These encompass guidance and control systems, propulsion systems, navigation sensors, rover release systems, communication antennas, and onboard electronics.
The mission’s declared objectives encompass a secure and soft lunar landing, the exploration of the lunar surface by a rover, and in-situ scientific research on the Moon.
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission exemplifies the nation’s dedication to advancing space exploration and technology on the global stage.