Science
Chandrayaan-3 Set To Make Crucial Orbit Maneuver Today, Will Bring It Closer To Moon's Surface
Chandrayaan-3's journey to the Moon.
India's Chandrayaan-3 is making progress in its mission to reach the Moon's surface. The spacecraft is set to lower its orbit around the Moon today (14 August), bringing it closer to the surface than its current distance of 1,437 km.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the maneuver will take place between 11.30am and 12.30pm on 14 August. This adjustment in orbit is a significant step towards achieving a successful soft landing on the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3 was launched from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Center on 14 July 2023. Since then, it has been steadily progressing towards its goal. The upcoming operation will bring the spacecraft even closer to the Moon, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
The procedures leading up to the soft landing are carefully planned and executed in three stages. These stages include Earth orbit maneuvers, Trans-lunar injection, and Lunar orbit maneuvers.
Once these stages are completed, the lander separates from the propulsion module and enters an orbit closer to the Moon, initiating the process of soft landing.
Chandrayaan-3's mission is not only a demonstration of India's advancing technical capabilities in space exploration but also aims to make significant scientific discoveries. This mission is set to land in the Moon's little-explored south-polar region, an area believed to hold potential for new findings.
Thorough analysis of data from the previous mission, Chandrayaan-2, has been conducted to ensure a successful landing this time.
The exact landing site for Chandrayaan-3 will be determined in the coming days. Once determined, the propulsion module will detach from the lander while in orbit. The lander will then descend from orbit and attempt a soft landing. If successful, India will join the ranks of the US, the former Soviet Union, and China, becoming only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
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