Chandrayaan-3 Mission to reach final stages

Following a successful maneuver conducted last week, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has accomplished a nearly circular orbit for its spacecraft Vikram Lander, positioning itself at a lunar orbit measuring 153×163 kilometres. Consequently, the lander is now poised to embark on an independent trajectory, parting ways from the propulsion module.

ISRO explained that Vikram and Pragyan are situated within the lunar spacecraft, and they will disengage from the propulsion module. Subsequently, Vikram will be manoeuvred into an elliptical orbit, a process that ISRO will execute through a series of manoeuvres to achieve this orbital configuration.

Chandrayaan-3 marks India’s third lunar expedition and represents its second endeavour to achieve a gentle landing on the lunar surface. This mission follows the previous attempt, Chandrayaan-2, which unfortunately did not achieve the desired outcome in 2019.

The primary goal of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate India’s comprehensive capability in executing a secure landing and enabling roving activities on the lunar terrain. With this undertaking, India aspires to join the exclusive ranks of the United States, Russia, and China, becoming the fourth nation in the world to achieve this impressive feat.

Initiated in January 2020, the developmental phase of Chandrayaan-3 was initially slated for launch in 2021. However, the unexpected disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic introduced unforeseen delays to the mission’s progress.

Source: Mint