chandrayaan-3s-vikram-lander-to-separate-from-spacecraft-today
Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lunar mission, has achieved a nearly circular orbit around the Moon. This comes after a successful manoeuvre on Wednesday, which positioned the spacecraft into a lunar orbit of 153*163km. Today, the Vikram lander is set to detach from the propulsion module.
Continuing its journey towards a lunar landing, the Chandrayaan-3 executed its fifth and final lunar-bound orbit manoeuvre, positioning itself even closer to the Moon’s surface. With this, the Indian spacecraft has now completed all the required Moon-bound manoeuvres, paving the way for the upcoming separation of the lander module – a composition of the lander and rover – from the propulsion module.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) performed a crucial lunar-bound manoeuvre with Chandrayaan-3 on Wednesday, the last such manoeuvre ahead of the scheduled separation of the spacecraft’s lander module from the propulsion module.
After separation, the lander will undergo a “deboost” to position itself in an orbit with a closest point (Perilune) of 30km and a farthest point (Apolune) of 100km. This orbit sets the stage for the planned soft landing attempt on the lunar south pole on August 23 at 5:47 pm.
Following the activation and testing of its on-board instruments, including the three scientific payloads, the Lander will carry out two orbit-reduction manoeuvres: first, to get into the circular 100×100 km orbit, and then further closer to the Moon in the 100×30 km orbit.
It is from this 100×30 km orbit that the Lander will, on August 23, begin its final descent for touchdown on the Moon.
It was in this final phase of descent, a few seconds before touchdown, that the Chandrayaan-2 had malfunctioned, resulting in its crash landing.
“It’s time for preparations as the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module gear up for their separate journeys,” the ISRO said in a statement.
An anti-inflammatory diet isn’t about restriction — it’s about balance and rhythm. Read More
Celebrate Diwali 2025: By knowing these rules, employees can enjoy Diwali celebrations without any unwelcome… Read More
With these simple hacks, you can enjoy fresh, healthy meals all week long without the… Read More
Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, and celebrations — but it also brings pollution,… Read More
Diwali Shopping on Credit Cards: Without smart planning, your Diwali shopping spree could turn into… Read More
Celebrate Diwali 2025: As Diwali approaches, it’s not just homes that need a festive glow-up… Read More