Yashaswani Chauhan, Pune
In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful establishment of two-way communication between the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Module, further advancing India’s lunar exploration efforts.
The ISRO’s official statement, released on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), celebrated the achievement, with the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter formally welcoming its successor, the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Module, with the words,” ‘Welcome, buddy!'” This successful link establishes crucial communication channels between the two spacecraft, boosting the mission’s overall capabilities.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, India’s third lunar expedition, is poised for a historic moment as the lander module is scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface at approximately 6:04 p.m. on August 23, 2023. An important turning point in India’s space exploration programme has been reached with this occurrence.
The Mission Operations Complex (MOX), located at the ISTRAC in Bengaluru, is pivotal in managing and controlling the mission. The successful establishment of two-way communication provides MOX with additional routes to reach the Lunar Module, ensuring smoother mission operations.
ISRO has also confirmed that a live telecast of the lunar landing event will be broadcast starting at 5.20 p.m. on August 23, allowing the global audience to witness this historic moment in real time.
Reflecting on the journey so far, it’s important to note that the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, launched in 2019, consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover. While the lander was with the rover on board, it encountered difficulties and could not achieve a soft landing on the Moon, but the orbiter continued to operate as planned. Remarkably, due to precise launch and orbital maneuvers, the mission life of the orbiter was extended to seven years.
As India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission prepares for its lunar landing, the nation and space enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this next chapter in lunar exploration. The successful communication link between the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Module is a testament to ISRO’s dedication and expertise in space exploration, highlighting the organisation’s continued progress in expanding its presence in the cosmos.