Separation of Propulsion Module in Chandrayaan-3: One step close to soft landing

Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by HBW2

After successfully completing the orbit raising maneuver the Chandrayaan- 3 entered to the lunar orbit on 5^th August, 2023. After rotating through lunar orbit when the Vikram Lander came close to the moon, the Propulsion module separated on 17^th August, 2023 at 1.00 pm. Then the Vikram Lander which is holding the rover started its preparation for “deboosting”. Next day it’s first de-boosting has occurred. It gradually decreasing its speed. The soft landing on the south polar region of the Moon will be attempted to the Perilune (the orbit’s closest point to the Moon) is 30 kilometres and Apolune (farthest point from the Moon) is 100 km. After separation from Propulsion module the Lander module has sent a message to the team of Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The ISRO scientists have shared the message in their official twitter page.

The propulsion module holds the Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE). The SHAPE will discover smaller planets in reflected light would allow us to probe into variety of exo-planets which would qualify for habitability or search for presence of life. The Propulsion Module will continue its journey in the current orbit for several months.

The Vikram Lander with rover ‘Pragyan’ inside expected to be landed on moon on 23^rd August, 2023 softly. After touching the lunar surface the rover will come out from the Lander and start all the functions which are already programmed by the ISRO scientists. India will become the 4^th country that has touched the lunar surface from this planet after USA, Russia and China. But the uniqueness of this mission is that India will become the first country which has reached south pole of moon. There will be a possible over lap of landing date if our Chandrayaan-3 and the Russia’s Luna 25 accomplish the mission successfully. We are happy to celebrate in the success of both the missions.