Chandrayaan-3 gets closer to Moon after fourth orbit reduction manoeuvre
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues its impressive progress in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, as it successfully executed another vital orbit reduction maneuver on August 14. This maneuver brings the spacecraft a step closer to achieving a precise landing on the lunar surface.
The recent maneuver was conducted at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) located in Bengaluru. As a result, Chandrayaan-3 has achieved an orbit of remarkable proximity to the moon, now positioned just 177 km away.
ISRO reported that the precise maneuver performed during this phase has established a near-circular orbit with dimensions of 150 km x 177 km. The upcoming operation is scheduled for August 16, 2023, around 0830 Hrs IST, and will mark the fifth and final orbit reduction maneuver in the mission.
Launched on July 14, Chandrayaan-3 is comprised of three essential components: a lander module (LM), a propulsion module (PM), and a rover. These components work synergistically to ensure the successful execution of the lunar mission.
ISRO has strategically planned a series of maneuvers to gradually reduce Chandrayaan-3’s orbit, ultimately positioning it over the lunar poles. As the mission advances, the propulsion module will separate from the lander while in orbit. Following this, a sequence of intricate braking maneuvers will be meticulously carried out to facilitate a soft landing in the South Polar region of the Moon on August 23, 2023.
The PM (Propulsion Module) and LM (Lander Module) separation is anticipated to occur on August 17, a significant event that paves the way for subsequent phases. The mission timeline includes a series of deboost maneuvers, a crucial prelude to the power descent phase crucial for the mission’s soft landing on the lunar surface.
The grand finale of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is slated for August 23 at 5.47 p.m. This momentous occasion marks the expected touchdown of the lander module on the moon’s surface, a culmination of meticulous planning and precise execution.
ISRO’s persistent dedication and precisely executed maneuvers have propelled Chandrayaan-3 towards its paramount goal: a triumphant and accurate touchdown on the moon’s surface. Through meticulously planned phases, ISRO’s proficiency and unwavering commitment redefine India’s stature in the realm of space exploration. As the mission advances, excitement heightens, and the global community eagerly anticipates the momentous lunar landing scheduled for August 23, 2023.
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