Chandrayaan-3's Lander Vikram Begins Final Phase Of Journey To Moon's Surface With First Deboosting Operation

Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, carrying the rover Pragyan, has initiated the final phase of its journey towards the surface of the Moon with the first deboosting maneuver conducted around 4 pm today (18 August), as stated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"LM (Lander Module) successfully underwent a deboosting operation that reduced its orbit to 113 km x 157 km. The second deboosting operation is scheduled for 20 August 2023, around 0200 hours IST," ISRO announced on Twitter.

With the second deboosting operation later this week, the Vikram lander will position itself to begin its descent to the lunar surface.

While Vikram engages in its intricate orbital maneuvers, the propulsion module will maintain its current orbit.

The propulsion module accommodates the scientific payload named Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth. This advanced instrument will conduct a spectroscopic exploration of Earth's atmosphere, with a focus on measuring polarization fluctuations within cloud formations.