New Delhi: The Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved another step forward in its lunar journey on Wednesday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The spacecraft has successfully maneuvered itself into a closely circular orbit of 153×163 km around the Moon, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming separation of the Lander Module on Thursday.
This marked the fourth and final orbital-reduction executed by the spacecraft, comprised of a Propulsion Module and the essential lander component housing the rover. Once detached from the Propulsion Module, the Lander will independently carry out the remaining trajectory to the lunar surface.
Upon activation and thorough assessment of its onboard scientific instruments, including three vital payloads, the Lander will execute a sequence of two orbit-reduction manoeuvres. The initial maneuver aims to position the spacecraft in a circular orbit of 100×100 km, followed by a subsequent reduction closer to the Moon in a 100×30 km orbit.
The decisive phase of the mission will commence from this 100×30 km orbit, scheduled for August 23, as the Lander initiates its conclusive descent towards a touchdown on the lunar surface. This is the precise point in the past Chandrayaan-2’s mission where a malfunction occurred, leading to its unfortunate crash landing just moments before touchdown.
“It’s time for preparations as the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module gear up for their separate journeys,” the ISRO said in a statement. Launched on July 14, Chandrayaan-3 entered lunar orbit on August 5.
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