Chandrayaan-2 Second De-Orbiting Maneuver Successful; Required Orbit For Vikram Lander To Commence Descent Achieved

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) informed that the second de-orbiting maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully today (4 September 2019) beginning at 3.42 am, lasting for 9 seconds.

With this, the required orbit for the Vikram Lander to commence it descent towards the surface of the Moon is achieved.

ISRO further stated that both the Lander and Orbiter were healthy while Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter continues to orbit the Moon in an orbit of 96 km x 125 km. The orbit of Vikram Lander is 35 km x 101 km.

The Lander is scheduled to powered descent on 7 September between 1.00 am to 2.00 am, which shall be followed by touch down of Lander between 1.30 am - 2.30 am.

The first de-orbiting maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully on 3 September.