Update: Chandrayaan-3 Mission and Its Lunar Journey

Introduction

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently announced significant updates on the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This mission has gained attention for its ambitious goals, particularly landing on the lunar south pole, a feat that no other country has accomplished near this region. Let's delve into the latest news and developments of the mission.

Successful Completion of Rover Assignments

ISRO has shared positive news about the Chandrayaan-3 mission on their official Twitter post. The latest update highlights that the rover Pragyan has successfully completed its mission assignments and is now safely parked in a sleep mode. The rover's solar panel is correctly oriented to receive sunlight, ensuring that it can recharge its batteries and resume operations in the near future. The tweet expresses hope for a successful awakening of the rover, which will enable it to continue exploring the lunar south pole.

The lander Vikram touched down on the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023, making India the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon and the first to do so near the lunar south pole. This is a major achievement for India's space program, marking a significant step forward in the country's exploration of the Moon.

Key Equipment on Vikram Lander

The Vikram lander is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments. These include a camera, a spectrometer, and a magnetometer. The camera will capture high-resolution images of the lunar surface, the spectrometer will analyze the chemical composition of the soil, and the magnetometer will measure the magnetic field. The combined data from these instruments will help scientists better understand the geology and composition of the lunar south pole. Additionally, the mission is on the lookout for water ice, which could be of great scientific and practical significance.

Fifth Orbit-Raising Maneuver

Chandrayaan-3 has successfully executed its fifth and ultimate Earth-bound orbit-raising maneuver. This maneuver, conducted on July 25 between 2 pm and 3 pm IST, increased the spacecraft's distance from Earth by a significant margin, setting the stage for the final leg of its journey to the Moon.

The spacecraft is now anticipated to settle into an orbit of 127,609 km x 236 km. The confirmation of this achieved orbit will be based on subsequent observations. The TransLunar Injection (TLI) is scheduled for August 1, 2023, between midnight and 1 am IST. This TLI will slingshot the spacecraft towards the Moon, marking the beginning of its lunar journey.

Approaching the Moon

As the spacecraft orbits the Earth, the distance to the Moon is gradually decreasing. With each elliptical circle over the Moon, the spacecraft will get closer. By around August 14 or 15, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to land on the lunar surface. The mission team is closely monitoring the spacecraft's progress to ensure a successful and safe landing.

The combined efforts and successes of the Chandrayaan-3 mission demonstrate the significant advancements in space technology and exploration by India. Ongoing scientific studies and data collection from the mission will continue to provide valuable insights and knowledge.