The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has said that Chandrayaan-3 will lower its orbit around the moon on August 14 between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. This maneuver will bring the spacecraft even closer to the moon’s surface on its way to a soft landing.
Launched from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre on July 14, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 has been steadily progressing towards its goal, with less than 1,437 km from the moon’s surface at present.
The procedures leading up to the soft landing consist of three stages — Earth orbit maneuvers, Trans-lunar injection, and Lunar orbit maneuvers. Once these stages have been completed, the lander separates from the propulsion module and enters an orbit closer to the moon, initiating the landing process. The landing site will be determined in the coming days, following which the propulsion module will detach from the lander while in orbit.
The spacecraft is set to land near the moon’s little-explored south-polar region, an area believed to hold potential for new findings. Data from the previous mission, Chandrayaan-2, has been thoroughly analysed to ensure a successful landing this time.
The lander will then descend from orbit and attempt a soft landing. If successful, India will join the ranks of the US, the former Soviet Union, and China, becoming only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a testament to India’s commitment to space exploration and its aspiration to contribute to humanity’s understanding of the Moon.
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