The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to execute a significant operation for Chandrayaan-3 on Wednesday. This crucial maneuver will involve lowering the spacecraft’s orbit to a mere 100 km above the Moon’s surface, representing a pivotal stride toward achieving its ultimate goal – a soft landing on the lunar terrain.
Having been launched on July 14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Chandrayaan-3 has been steadily advancing towards its mission objective. Having entered lunar orbit on August 5, the spacecraft has embarked on a sequence of orbital adjustments, progressively shortening its distance from the Moon.
Scheduled for August 16, the upcoming operation aims to establish the spacecraft’s orbit at an impressive 100 km x 100 km, indicative of a more circular path. This orbital circularization maneuver involves utilizing the spacecraft’s engines to adjust its trajectory, resulting in a rounder or nearly circular path.
Following this, the spacecraft will gear up for the most demanding phase of the mission – the soft landing. Prior to this attempt, the Propulsion Module will detach from the Lander.
The soft landing endeavour, for August 23, aims to position the lander and rover at the Moon’s south pole, a region perceived to offer prospects for fresh scientific revelations. If successful, India will join the ranks of Russia, the United States, and China, becoming the fourth nation to successfully achieve a soft lunar landing.
The process of soft landing commences after the lander’s separation from the propulsion module, entering a 100 km x 30 km orbit. At an altitude of approximately 30 km, the lander employs its thrusters to navigate its descent to the lunar surface. This intricate operation demands precise control and navigation to ensure a secure touchdown.
Chandrayaan-3’s mission extends beyond showcasing India’s escalating technical competence in space exploration; it also aims to make noteworthy scientific breakthroughs. The triumph of this mission will stand as a significant milestone in India’s space odyssey, paving the way for novel opportunities in lunar and interplanetary exploration.
Also Read: PM Modi: Government To Implement Additional Measure To Tackle Inflation
