BANGALORE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3, comprising the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, is set to undergo its second deboosting operation on August 20th. This maneuver aims to transition the module into an orbit that brings it into closer proximity to the Moon's surface.

In recent developments, ISRO confirmed that the health of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module remains stable. Notably, the module has effectively completed a deboosting operation, successfully altering its orbit to 113 km x 157 km, bringing it closer to the Moon. The forthcoming second deboosting operation is scheduled for August 20, 2023, around 02:00 Hrs IST, as indicated in a communication from ISRO via X (formerly Twitter).

Preceding the impending deboosting operation, the Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 triumphantly detached from the Propulsion Module on Thursday. This marked a significant milestone 35 days following the satellite's launch on July 14th.

Informed sources from ISRO,  divulged that subsequent to the separation, the lander is anticipated to initiate "deboost" activities to attain an orbit where the Perilune (the orbit's point closest to the Moon) rests at 30 kilometers, and the Apolune (the point farthest from the Moon) at 100 kilometers. This positioning is a crucial prerequisite for the forthcoming soft landing endeavor within the Moon's southern polar region.

Upon reaching an altitude of roughly 30 kilometers, the lander initiates the powered braking phase, employing its thrusters to navigate toward the Moon's surface. At an elevation of approximately 100 meters, the lander will conduct a surface scan to detect any potential obstacles before commencing its descent for a gentle landing.

The eagerly anticipated soft landing of the Lander on the Lunar south pole is calendared for August 23rd.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath recently emphasized that the most pivotal aspects of the landing include effectively decelerating the lander's velocity from an altitude of 30 kilometers to its final descent phase, as well as executing a seamless reorientation of the spacecraft from a horizontal to vertical alignment. "This is the intricate maneuver we must execute," he stated.

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