India’s ambitious third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has successfully completed its final Moon-directed orbit adjustment, drawing it even nearer to the lunar surface. This marks the conclusion of lunar-bound maneuvers, with preparations now underway for separating the propulsion and lander modules, as reported by Isro.
Today’s brief yet successful burn maneuver has positioned Chandrayaan-3 into a desired orbit of 153 km x 163 km, signifying the completion of its lunar journey.
The Propulsion Module and Lander Module are set for independent journeys as they gear up for separation, Isro announced.
Scheduled for August 17, the separation of the lander module from the propulsion module is planned following its launch on July 14.
Chandrayaan-3 entered lunar orbit on August 5, conducting a series of orbit reduction maneuvers on August 6, 9, and 14, steadily drawing it closer to the Moon.
As the mission advances, Isro is orchestrating a sequence of maneuvers to gradually adjust Chandrayaan-3’s orbit, strategically positioning it above the lunar poles.
The spacecraft’s soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region is slated for August 23.