In a remarkable feat of space exploration, India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is inching closer to achieving a soft landing on the Moon's surface. The mission, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has successfully completed its final moon-bound maneuver, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards the lunar southern polar region.
Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Chandrayaan-3 has been on a meticulously planned trajectory to reach the Moon. After a series of carefully calculated maneuvers, the spacecraft is now just 163 kilometers away from the lunar surface.
The recent success is attributed to the fifth and final orbit reduction maneuver, performed on August 16. This maneuver, carried out from the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, positioned Chandrayaan-3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. With this accomplishment, the lunar-bound maneuvers are officially completed, paving the way for the next crucial phase of the mission.
The upcoming operation involves the separation of the lander module from the propulsion module, scheduled for August 17. During this process, the two modules will embark on separate trajectories. The propulsion module, which has been powering the spacecraft's journey from Earth since its launch, will continue looping around the Moon. Equipped with a single instrument, it will gather valuable data about Earth's spectrum.
On the other hand, the lander module, named Vikram, will embark on its most critical journey. This journey involves a series of complex braking maneuvers to ensure a soft and precise landing in the Moon's South Polar region. The scheduled landing date is August 23, and if successful, Vikram will gently touch down on the lunar surface at 5.47 p.m.
Following the successful landing, the rover named Pragyan will roll off Vikram and begin its exploration of the nearby lunar terrain. Pragyan will capture images and data, which will be transmitted back to Earth for analysis. The mission aims to expand our understanding of the Moon's composition, geology, and environment.
Chandrayaan-3 represents India's second endeavor to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, following the partial success of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. If the mission achieves its intended goal, India will join an elite group of nations—United States, Russia, and China—that have successfully achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface.
As the world watches with anticipation, Chandrayaan-3 continues to push the boundaries of lunar exploration. The successful execution of its complex maneuvers and its impending lunar touchdown are a testament to India's growing prowess in space technology and exploration. With each step closer to its scheduled moon landing on August 23, Chandrayaan-3 reminds us of humanity's enduring spirit of exploration and discovery beyond our planet.
