Kruti Dave, Pune
Before the Vikram lander’s separation from the propulsion module, which is due for August 17, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 mission completed the last lunar-bound maneuver at 8:30 a.m. on August 16, the space agency reported on X.
“Today’s successful fire, required for a brief period of time, has successfully placed Chandrayaan-3 into the targeted orbit of 153 km by 163 km. The lunar maneuvers are now finished. Preparations are underway as the Propulsion Module and Lander Module prepare for their missions,” ISRO tweeted.
This accomplishment is a crucial first step in the landing module’s impending separation from the propulsion module, which will house the lander Vikram and the rover Pragyan.
According to the space agency, the lander and propulsion modules are preparing for “their separate journeys” due to Wednesday’s move. It is anticipated that the modules will be separated on Thursday.
While in orbit, the propulsion module will detach from the lander.
On August 23, a series of complex braking maneuvers will be used to achieve a soft touchdown in the moon’s South Polar region. The lander is expected to contact the moon’s surface around 5:47 pm.
Chandrayaan-3 launched on July 14 and completed five maneuvers to reach Earth between July 15 and July 25. On August 1, Chandrayaan-3 underwent a significant trans-lunar injection (TLI), which launched toward the moon.
On August 5, the Chandrayaan-3 arrived in the lunar orbit and was successfully installed. Since then, Chandrayaan-3’s orbit has gradually been reduced through five maneuvers, allowing for its placement above the lunar poles.
A follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 aims to show that safe lunar landing and wandering are possible from beginning to end. To create and showcase new technology necessary for extraterrestrial missions, it consists of an indigenous propulsion module, lander module, and rover.