Subsequent to the fourth orbit reduction activity, the lander is expected to separate from the propulsion module a few days later, aiming for a delicate touchdown near the moon’s South Pole on August 23 at 5:47 p.m.
In a significant step towards its lunar mission success, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported on Wednesday that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft had successfully executed its second orbit reduction, bringing it closer to the moon’s surface.
The ISRO stated, “Today, Chandrayaan-3’s orbit was adjusted to 174 km x 1437 km through a maneuver. The subsequent operation is scheduled for August 14, 2023, falling between 11:30 and 12:30 Hrs. IST.”
The spacecraft achieved this orbital adjustment by employing its onboard engines to alter its trajectory from 170 km x 4313 km to 174 km x 1437 km. This precise orbital reduction is strategically aimed at facilitating the primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission – a safe and successful soft landing of the lander on the lunar surface.
The process of orbit reduction entails the retro-firing of the spacecraft’s onboard motors, resulting in deceleration. The upcoming third orbit reduction is slated for August 14, occurring between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
During this maneuver, the spacecraft’s speed is methodically diminished by firing its motors in the opposite direction. The fourth and final orbit reduction procedure is projected to take place on August 16.
Having executed the inaugural lunar orbit reduction on August 6, the Chandrayaan-3 comprises three key components: a propulsion module (2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg), and a rover (26 kg).
Subsequent to the fourth orbit reduction activity, the lander is expected to separate from the propulsion module a few days later, aiming for a delicate touchdown near the moon’s South Pole on August 23 at 5:47 p.m. The lander will gradually descend from an altitude of around 100 km above the lunar surface. This intricate soft landing operation necessitates a sequence of intricate maneuvers involving both rough and fine braking.
Before the landing, meticulous imaging of the landing site will be conducted to identify safe and hazard-free zones. Once the soft landing is achieved, the six-wheeled rover will be deployed to carry out experiments on the lunar terrain for one lunar day, equivalent to approximately 14 days on Earth.
Chandrayaan-3 embarked on its journey on July 14, being successfully placed into orbit through India’s robust heavy-lift rocket, LVM3. The spacecraft completed its orbit around Earth and transitioned towards the moon on August 1, following a successful perigee-firing executed at ISTRAC, ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network. This thrust allowed Chandrayaan-3 to enter its translunar orbit, marking another milestone in India’s ambitious space exploration endeavors. (Edited)