INDIA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a significant step towards its ambitious lunar mission as Chandrayaan-3 captured its first visuals of the moon.
The spacecraft, launched on July 14, 2023, successfully entered a translunar orbit and recently entered the lunar orbit, marking a major milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors.
The spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 captured a number of captivating images of the moon’s surface, which ISRO shared with space enthusiasts all over the world on Sunday.
The images showcased the pockmarked lunar terrain from various angles, a testament to the spacecraft’s sophisticated imaging capabilities.
The Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) operation on August 5 enabled Chandrayaan-3 to achieve a lunar orbit with dimensions of 170 km x 4313 km around the moon.
The precision maneuver was carried out flawlessly, confirming the spacecraft’s readiness for its next critical phases.
“The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction maneuver. The retrofitting of engines brought it closer to the moon’s surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km. The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between 13:00 and 14:00 Hrs. IST,” tweeted ISRO in an official statement.
Chandrayaan-3’s primary objective is to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. To accomplish this feat, the spacecraft must attain a specific orbit of 127609 km x 236 km. The achieved orbit will be confirmed through meticulous observations.
Over the next few weeks, Chandrayaan-3 will undergo a series of intricate maneuvers. It will continue circling the moon while gradually reducing its orbital velocity, ensuring a smooth and controlled descent towards the lunar surface.
The ultimate aim is to reach a circular orbit, approximately 100 kilometers above the moon, a crucial step before the final descent of the lander and rover.
Once the spacecraft reaches the desired orbit, the lander and rover will separate from the propulsion module and embark on their voyage towards the moon’s surface. This separation is a critical phase of the mission, and ISRO’s engineers and scientists are prepared for the intricate task ahead.
If Chandrayaan-3 accomplishes its mission successfully, India will join an elite group of nations to achieve a soft landing on the moon, following in the footsteps of the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China.
The historic achievement will be a testament to India’s rapidly growing space exploration capabilities and its dedication to advancing scientific research on the celestial stage.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a remarkable demonstration of India’s prowess in space technology and its commitment to exploring cosmic mysteries.
The mission has garnered immense interest and support from the global scientific community and space enthusiasts alike.
With the upcoming orbit reduction maneuver scheduled for August 9, all eyes will be on ISRO as they take another significant step towards India’s ambitious goal of a lunar soft landing.
The successful execution of this mission will undoubtedly mark a new era in India’s space exploration journey and inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
Also Read: ISRO Nears Space Milestone: Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Orbit Entry Paves the Way for Cosmic Achievement
