The Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled to undergo its second deboosting operation on August 20, 2023. This will lower the module to an orbit that takes it much closer to the Moon's surface. The soft landing of the Lander on the Lunar south pole is scheduled on August 23.
The first deboosting operation was successfully carried out on August 19, reducing the module's orbit to 113 km x 157 km. The second deboosting operation is expected to further lower the orbit to 30 km x 100 km.
At around 30 km altitude, the lander will enter the powered braking phase, and begins to use its thrusters to reach the surface of the Moon. At an altitude of about 100 m, the lander would scan the surface to check whether there are any obstacles and then start descending to make a soft landing
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the health of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module remains normal. A recent deboosting operation successfully adjusted its orbit to 113 km x 157 km, aligning it more closely with the Moon.
The second deboosting operation is scheduled for August 20 at 02:00 Hrs IST, according to ISRO's communication.
Previously, the Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 achieved a crucial milestone by separating from the Propulsion Module. This separation took place 35 days after the satellite's launch on July 14.
Following the separation, the lander is anticipated to undergo "deboost" operations that position it in an orbit where the closest point (Perilune) to the Moon is at 30 kilometers, and the farthest point (Apolune) is at 100 kilometers. This orbit configuration is essential for facilitating a soft landing attempt on the Lunar south pole.
During the final phases of the descent, when the lander reaches around 30 km altitude, it initiates the powered braking phase. Thrusters are employed to gradually descend and achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface.
At an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the lander employs surface scanning to identify any obstacles, followed by a controlled descent to ensure a smooth landing.
The anticipated soft landing of the Lander Module on the Lunar south pole is scheduled for August 23. ISRO Chairman S Somanath highlighted the criticality of reducing the lander's velocity from 30 km height to the final landing stage. He emphasized the challenge of reorienting the spacecraft from horizontal to vertical orientation, a crucial maneuver for a successful landing.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
The mission consists of a Orbiter, a Lander, and a Rover.
The Orbiter will orbit the Moon for one year, mapping its surface and studying its composition.
The Lander will soft land on the Moon's south pole, where it will deploy the Rover to explore the surface.
The Rover will be the first to explore the Moon's south pole, a region that has never been explored by any spacecraft before.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone for India's space program. It will be the country's third lunar mission, and its first soft landing on the Moon's south pole.
The mission is being closely watched by the international space community, and its success will be a major boost for India's ambitions in space.
The Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 has successfully undergone its first deboosting operation, reducing its orbit to 113 km x 157 km.
The second deboosting operation is scheduled for August 20, 2023, which will further lower the orbit to 30 km x 100 km.
The soft landing of the Lander on the Lunar south pole is scheduled on August 23.
The mission is on track and the team is confident of a successful landing.
Conclusion:
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major step forward for India's space program. It is a challenging mission, but the team is confident of success. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission will be a major boost for India's ambitions in space and will help to make India a leading player in the global space community.
Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module continues its journey towards the Moon's surface, with the upcoming deboosting operation poised to bring it closer to its intended landing site. As ISRO navigates the complexities of space exploration, achieving a soft landing on the Lunar south pole will mark a significant milestone for India's space endeavors.