The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 was expertly separated from the Lander and Rover:
In a momentous development, ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, marked another remarkable milestone in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. On August 17, at precisely 1:15 pm, the propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 was expertly separated from the lander and rover, setting the stage for an unprecedented series of lunar experiments.
Notably, the propulsion module will now embark on an intriguing mission to study Earth’s radiation while orbiting the Moon, while the highly anticipated lunar landing of the Lander-Rover duo is scheduled for August 23 at 5:47 pm.
Vikram Lander bid farewell to its trusty companion, the propulsion module
The separation event was accompanied by a heartfelt gesture as the Vikram Lander bid farewell to its trusty companion, the propulsion module, with a simple yet meaningful message: “Thanks for the ride, mate.” The subsequent maneuvering plan entails a meticulous process. On Friday at around 4 pm, the Vikram Lander will execute a deboosting maneuver, adjusting its orbit to a slightly lower position.
Just a day prior, on August 16 at 08:30 am, the spacecraft’s thrusters were activated, resulting in Chandrayaan’s orbit being meticulously fine-tuned to 153 km x 163 km – a feat that highlights the precision and ingenuity of the mission.
Highly anticipated soft landing attempt is meticulously scheduled for August 23
To achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon’s surface, Chandrayaan-3 will undertake a critical 90-degree rotation following its separation from the propulsion module. As it begins its descent, the vehicle will meticulously deboost its speed, a critical step that will bring it to a mere 30 km from the lunar surface. The highly anticipated soft landing attempt is meticulously scheduled for August 23, where Chandrayaan-3 will initiate its final descent from this minimal distance.
The journey leading up to this pivotal moment has been a remarkable saga of scientific prowess and determination. Chandrayaan-3 embarked on its lunar adventure on August 5, after an awe-inspiring 22-day journey, successfully entering the Moon’s orbit at 7:15 pm. The meticulous reduction of speed was accomplished by skillfully angling the spacecraft and firing the thrusters for an astonishing 1,835 seconds.
These orbital maneuvers have granted Chandrayaan-3 the privilege of capturing breathtaking images of the Moon’s surface. As it first graced the lunar orbit, its cameras documented the striking panorama, unveiling the moon’s intricate craters and features in vivid detail.
I am Chandrayaan-3… I am feeling the gravity of the moon
The mission’s essence and spirit were encapsulated in a simple yet profound message relayed from the spacecraft: “I am Chandrayaan-3… I am feeling the gravity of the moon.” This declaration resonated with ISRO’s announcement of Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant placement within the Moon’s orbit. The journey to the upcoming landing is characterized by four incremental orbit reductions, with the first reduction already executed on Sunday.
A crucial element in the complex ballet of space travel is the retro-burning maneuver, executed at the Perilune point – the closest proximity to the Moon. This controlled burn of the thrusters, executed in an opposite direction, is an essential technique employed to decelerate the spacecraft, a feat showcasing the ingenuity of ISRO’s scientists.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s narrative unfolds in three captivating phases:
Journey from Earth to Orbit:
The spacecraft’s awe-inspiring journey commenced on July 14, launching into an Earth orbit measuring 170 km x 36,500 km. Through a series of meticulous orbital adjustments, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a remarkable orbit of 71,351 km x 233 km by July 20.
Transition to Lunar Orbit:
On the night of July 31 and August 1, Chandrayaan-3 embarked on its trajectory from Earth’s orbit to the Moon. Finally, on August 5, the mission achieved a splendid lunar orbit of 164 km x 18,074 km.
The Descent and Landing:
The final phase began with Chandrayaan-3’s meticulous reduction to a near-circular orbit of 153 km x 163 km on August 16. As the mission’s climax approaches, anticipation builds for the dramatic soft landing attempt, meticulously set for August 23.
Chandrayaan-3’s saga is one of ingenuity, precision, and the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery. With each step forward, the mission brings humanity closer to unraveling the Moon’s mysteries and advancing our understanding of the cosmos.