ISRO successfully carried out the final orbit reduction manoeuvre of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on Wednesday. The spacecraft is now in an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. This is the fifth and final orbit-reduction manoeuvre that has been performed since the spacecraft was launched on July 14. With this, the lunar-bound manoeuvres are now complete.
The next stage of the mission will be the separation of the Lander Module from the Propulsion Module, which is scheduled for August 17. After the Lander Module is separated, it will make a soft landing on the South Polar region of the Moon on August 23. The Pragyan Rover will then be released from the Lander Module and will begin its journey to explore the lunar surface.
ISRO is attempting to make a successful soft landing on the Moon, which will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat. Chandrayaan-3 is a critical mission for ISRO as it will demonstrate India’s complete capability for a secure lunar landing and roaming.
The components of Chandrayaan-3 include several electronic and mechanical subsystems designed to ensure a gentle and safe landing, including guidance and control systems, propulsion systems, and navigation sensors. There are also systems for releasing the rover, antennas for two-way communication, and other onboard electronics.
Chandrayaan-3’s declared goals include a secure and soft landing, lunar rover wandering, and in-situ scientific research. The mission will study the lunar surface and its composition, and will also search for water ice in the lunar polar regions.
The successful completion of the final orbit reduction manoeuvre is a major milestone for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. ISRO is now one step closer to making a successful soft landing on the Moon.
