Chandrayaan-3 a step closer to Moon with final orbit manoeuvre done

In its latest move, Chandrayaan-3 executed its fifth and final lunar-bound orbit manoeuvre, effectively bringing it closer to the lunar destination. This successful manoeuvre, conducted on Wednesday (August 16), positioned Chandrayaan-3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, marking the completion of all the required lunar-bound manoeuvres.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now preparing for the separation of the Lander Module, consisting of the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover, from the Propulsion Module.

ISRO expressed satisfaction and stated, "Today's successful firing, needed for a short duration, has put Chandrayaan-3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. With this, the lunar-bound manoeuvres are completed. It's time for preparations as the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module gear up for their separate journeys."

ALSO READ: Chandrayaan-3 shows Earth what the Moon looks like up close in 2023. Viral video

Countdown to separation and landing

• The coming days hold critical for the Chandrayaan-3 mission as on August 17, the Vikram lander is scheduled to detach from the Propulsion Module, marking a crucial stage in the mission.
• Following this separation, the lander will undergo a "deboost" manoeuvre (slowing down), adjusting itself into the lunar orbit whose closest point (Perilune) is 30 km and the farthest point (Apolune) is 100 km.
• This orbital configuration will set the stage for the much-anticipated soft landing attempt on the Moon's south pole which is scheduled for August 23 at approximately 5:47 pm.

ALSO READ: Mystery object that washed up on Australian beach could be from old Indian rocket

However, the soft landing attempt carries significant technical challenges, as described once by ISRO Chairman S Somanath: "The most critical part of the landing is the process of bringing down the velocity of the lander when it begins its descent from a height of 30 km to the final landing (position), and that the ability to transfer the spacecraft from horizontal to vertical direction is the 'trick we have to play' here."

Lunar race?

Chandrayaan-3's journey to the Moon is not unfolding in isolation as it's accompanied by Russia's Luna-25, launched on August 10, which is also gearing up for a soft landing attempt between August 21 and 23. The proximity of the landing dates and the contrasting approaches of these missions have intensified global attention on lunar exploration.

ALSO READ: Russia has a new Moon lander Luna-25, in a race in space with Chandrayaan-3

Importance of moon missions

• The ongoing missions of Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25 are not just races to the Moon's surface; they represent humanity's commitment to uncovering the Moon's mysteries and expanding our understanding of the celestial neighbour.
• The lunar south pole, with its potential water resources and unique geological features, holds particular scientific interest among the scientific communities.
• The missions are expected to yield valuable insights into the Moon's history, composition, and potential as a resource-rich body.

ALSO READ: What you need to know about ISRO's successful liftoff of Chandrayaan-3

As Chandrayaan-3 approaches its lunar landing, the scientific community and the world at large anticipate the valuable insights the mission will provide.