INDIA: India’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission has successfully completed its final lunar orbital maneuver, bringing it one step closer to attempting a historic soft landing on the lunar surface.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the lander Vikram will make its bold attempt in the uncharted south polar region of the Moon on Wednesday.
The meticulous execution of the second and final de-boosting operation marks a critical milestone in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
With the closest point to the Moon set at 25 km and the farthest at 134 km, Vikram is now orbiting in prime position to initiate its descent.
This carefully calculated trajectory sets the stage for the powered descent, scheduled to commence on August 23, 2023, around 17:45 Hrs. IST.
“The second and final deboosting operation has successfully reduced the LM orbit to 25 km x 134 km. The module would undergo internal checks and await the sunrise at the designated landing site,” ISRO shared on its official communication channels.
The agency further emphasized the significance of this endeavor, as a successful landing would make India only the fourth nation in history to achieve such a feat.
The culmination of this intricate journey began on July 14, 2023, when Chandrayaan-3 was launched into space by the powerful LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
After a successful journey, the spacecraft entered the lunar orbit on August 5, preparing for its eventual rendezvous with the Moon’s surface.
In tandem with this endeavor, Russia’s lunar exploration efforts have also captured attention. Russia’s Luna-25 probe, a landmark mission after nearly five decades, encountered an unexpected “emergency” during a maneuver prior to its Moon landing.
Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, revealed that this incident might potentially influence the probe’s planned landing date, scheduled to take place north of the Boguslawsky crater on the lunar south pole.
While challenges and uncertainties remain in lunar exploration, the achievements and strides made by both India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna-25 missions underscore the enduring human curiosity and determination to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
As Vikram readies for its daring descent, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness another chapter in humanity’s exploration of the Moon’s enigmatic terrain.
Also Read: Luna 25 Vs Chandrayaan 3
