Chandrayaan-3: After Another Orbit Reduction, Spacecraft Now Closer To Moon's Surface

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is now even closer to the Moon with the successful completion of its third lunar-bound manoeuvre. On Sunday, the lunar orbit insertion (LOI) was carried out successfully.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Even closer to the moon¡¯s surface.

Chandrayaan-3's orbit is reduced to 174 km x 1437 km following a manuevre performed today.

The next operation is scheduled for August 14, 2023, between 11:30 and 12:30 Hrs. IST pic.twitter.com/Nx7IXApU44

¡ª ISRO (@isro) August 9, 2023

"Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Even closer to the moon¡¯s surface. Chandrayaan-3's orbit is reduced to 174 km x 1437 km following a manuevre performed today. The next operation is scheduled for August 14, 2023, between 11:30 and 12:30 Hrs. IST," the space agency posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Unsplash

Chandrayaan-3's journey to the Moon

On Monday, ISRO had reduced the altitude of Chandrayaan-3 by 14,000 kilometres, bringing it 4,313 kilometres closer to the Moon.

The next manoeuvre will take place on August 14, when the distance between the spacecraft and the Moon would be reduced further. On August 16, Chandrayaan-3 will enter the 100 kilometre circular orbit and on August 17, the landing module (that is carrying the lander Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan) will break free from the propulsion module to prepare for landing.

Speaking at an event organised by Disha Bharat, an NGO in Bengaluru, ISRO chairman S Somanath recently explained various changes introduced in Chandrayaan-3 to ensure a safe landing on August 23.

PTI

Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Departs Earth's Orbit, Sets Course For Moon's South Pole

¡°The most critical part of the landing is the process of reducing the velocity of the lander from 30km height to the final landing. At 30km, the spacecraft is horizontal. Transferring the spacecraft from a horizontal orientation to vertical is very challenging, we had problems here with Chandrayaan-2. We have to ensure that not too much fuel is consumed, the distance is calculated correctly, all algorithms work... For this, we've changed the guidance design, introduced newer algorithms and extensive simulations have been done," Somanath said, according to TOI.

Also read: Chandrayaan-3's Final Orbit-Raising Manoeuvre Complete, On Course For Moon Exploration

ET

"We've designed it in such a way that if all the sensors fail, we will still be able to land provided that the propulsion system works. Even if two engines fail, we will be able to land," he added.

What do you think about the progress of Chandrayaan-3? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.