Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Completes Third Orbit Manoeuvre

July 19, 2023 - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission. After successful completion of the third orbit manoeuvre, the spacecraft is now on track to reach the Moon and explore its less-explored south pole. This improved version of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, aims to demonstrate safe landing capabilities and has the potential to make India the fourth nation to land on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3's Orbit and Mission Details:

As per ISRO's tweet on Tuesday, Chandrayaan-3 has attained a planned orbit of 51,400 km x 228 km, with the next firing scheduled for July 20, 2023, between 2 and 3 pm IST. The spacecraft was launched by ISRO's formidable Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The spacecraft's manoeuvres have been carried out in succession, with the first orbit raising manoeuvre on Sunday, followed by the second on July 17, and the third on July 18. With these successful manoeuvres, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to reach the Moon by August 24, and it will enter the lunar orbit between August 3 and 5.

Advancements and Goals of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3 is an improved version of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, which unfortunately did not achieve a soft landing on the Moon. This updated spacecraft has been designed with enhancements to increase the likelihood of success.

One of the primary objectives of this lunar exploration mission is to demonstrate end-to-end capabilities in safe landing. Equipped with a rover, Chandrayaan-3 aims to explore the south pole of the lunar surface, which has been less explored compared to other areas.

Unique Aspects of Chandrayaan-3:

Chandrayaan-3's mission life is set to last one lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 Earth days. During this period, the spacecraft will conduct comprehensive studies of the Moon's south pole, providing valuable insights into its composition and characteristics.

Notably, if Chandrayaan-3 achieves a successful landing on the Moon, India will join an exclusive group of nations, including the United States, China, and Russia, that have accomplished this remarkable feat.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavors. With successful orbit manoeuvres and advancements in its design, this lunar exploration mission aims to explore the Moon's less-explored south pole. By demonstrating safe landing capabilities and conducting comprehensive studies, Chandrayaan-3 is paving the way for India to become a prominent player in lunar exploration. As we eagerly await its arrival on the lunar surface, let us stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable journey.