Chandrayaan-3 Mission Updates: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced a significant milestone in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The maneuver to lower the orbit of the lander module has been successfully completed. This development marks a crucial step forward, indicating that the Indian lunar spacecraft is on track to make its touchdown on the Moon's surface at precisely 6:04 pm on August 23rd.
Before the planned soft landing, the lander module will undergo a series of internal checks to ensure its readiness for the upcoming lunar descent. This module consists of two integral components: the lander named 'Vikram' and the rover named 'Pragyan'.
The latest deboosting operation has effectively adjusted the lander module's orbit to dimensions of 25 km x 134 km. The module is now in the phase of internal evaluations and awaiting sunrise at its designated landing location.
The eagerly anticipated event, scheduled for August 23rd, will be broadcast live, commencing at 5:27 pm IST. Viewers can catch the live coverage on various platforms, including the ISRO Website, YouTube channel, ISRO's Facebook page, and DD National TV channel.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched on July 14th, achieved lunar orbit on August 5th. Subsequent orbit reduction maneuvers were carried out on August 6th, 9th, 14th, and 16th, in preparation for the separation of the two modules on August 17th.
Following 35 days since its launch, the lander module successfully detached from the propulsion module on Thursday. Post-separation, the lander underwent 'deboost' operations to position it in an orbit that allows it to be at a distance of 30 kilometers at its nearest point (Perilune) and 100 kilometers at its farthest point (Apolune) from the Moon.
This configuration sets the stage for the crucial soft landing attempt in the Moon's south-polar region. Around 30 kilometers above the lunar surface, the lander will initiate the powered braking phase, employing its thrusters to gradually descend to the Moon's surface, as explained by ISRO. Once it reaches an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the lander will scan the surface for obstacles before initiating its final descent for a gentle landing.
A pivotal maneuver took place on August 1st when the spacecraft executed a successful slingshot maneuver to redirect its trajectory towards the Moon after departing Earth's orbit. This trans-lunar injection enabled the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to break free from Earth's gravitational influence and set it on course for the Moon's vicinity, according to reports.
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