ISRO Successfully Alters Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module Orbit for Lunar Descent

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Sunday that it has effectively adjusted the orbit of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Lander Module (LM), bringing it closer to the moon’s vicinity. ISRO further stated that the LM will undergo internal assessments at its current position. The LM, housing the lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, is scheduled to make a soft landing on the lunar surface on August 23, during the evening.

The LM’s orbit has been significantly reduced to 25 km x 134 km through a successful deboosting operation. Subsequent to this operation, the module will undertake internal checks while awaiting sunrise at its designated landing site. The powered descent is anticipated to commence on August 23, 2023, around 1745 Hrs IST, as per ISRO’s communication shared on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module successfully disengaged from the Propulsion Module on Thursday, 35 days after its launch on July 14. Following separation, the lander is expected to undergo deboosting operations to position it in an orbit where the Perilune is at 30 kilometers and Apolune at 100 kilometers. From this orbit, an attempt will be made for a gentle landing on the Moon’s south polar region.

Upon reaching approximately 30 km altitude, the lander initiates its powered braking phase, employing thrusters to gradually descend to the moon’s surface. Around 100 m altitude, the lander scans the surface for obstacles before proceeding with its descent for a soft landing.

After its July 14 launch, Chandrayaan-3 entered lunar orbit on August 5. Subsequent orbit reduction maneuvers took place on August 6, 9, 14, and 16. On August 17, the modules were separated, paving the way for the anticipated landing on August 23. Prior to this, ISRO had progressively moved the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft away from Earth in five stages over three weeks.

On August 1, a pivotal maneuver saw the spacecraft directed towards the moon from Earth’s orbit. Following this trans-lunar injection, Chandrayaan-3 left Earth’s orbit, embarking on a trajectory leading it toward the moon’s vicinity.

Chandrayaan-3 serves as a continuation of Chandrayaan-2, aiming to demonstrate the entire process of safe landing and rover movement on the lunar surface. The mission objectives encompass executing a secure and gentle lunar landing, showcasing rover mobility on the moon, and conducting on-site scientific experiments.