BANGALORE: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as it executed the final orbit reduction maneuver for the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, outpacing the original timeline by a week before its planned lunar touchdown.
In today's triumph, a precise and brief propulsion burn successfully positioned Chandrayaan-3 into its intended orbit of 153 km x 163 km. This achievement conclusively wraps up the intricate lunar-bound maneuvers, as confirmed by ISRO.
Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 14 this year, the spacecraft is poised to delicately touch down on the Moon's South Polar region come August 23. The launch utilized the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle, which skillfully placed the spacecraft into lunar orbit on August 5. Subsequently, a series of precisely calculated orbital adjustments diligently drew the spacecraft closer to the lunar surface.
The fifth and ultimate orbit-reduction maneuver, executed today, was masterfully orchestrated from the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) located in Bengaluru.
Having accomplished the lunar-bound maneuvers with great precision, ISRO's focus now shifts to the ensuing stages of readiness for the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module. These components are primed for their independent journeys, with the Lander Module's separation from the Propulsion Module scheduled for August 17.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed his excitement, stating, "A stride nearer to the MOON! Today's successful propulsion burn, executed for a brief interval, has positioned Chandrayaan-3 into its targeted orbit of 153 km x 163 km. This marks the completion of the lunar-bound maneuvers."
ISRO's ambition centers on a successful soft lunar landing, which, if realized, would establish India as the fourth nation globally to achieve this remarkable feat, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.
Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, symbolizes the country's second endeavor towards a gentle lunar landing. It serves as a successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission that faced setbacks in 2019. The mission serves to demonstrate India's full capability in ensuring a secure lunar landing and subsequent exploration.
The integral components of Chandrayaan-3 encompass a range of electronic and mechanical subsystems meticulously designed to ensure a smooth and secure landing. These comprise guidance and control mechanisms, propulsion systems, and navigation sensors. Additionally, there are systems in place for the rover's release, dual-communication antennas, and other advanced onboard electronics.
Chandrayaan-3's explicit objectives encompass a secure and gentle landing, the rover's mobile exploration, and on-site scientific research.
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