As we sleep tonight, Chandrayaan 3 to embark on the final leg of its journey to the moon
PuneNow, July 31, 2023: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to ignite the engines on the Propulsion Module of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft tonight, propelling it on a trajectory toward the Moon in a critical manoeuvre known as the Trans Lunar Injection (TLI). This historic event, scheduled between 12 am and 1 am on August 1, will see the spacecraft leave Earth’s orbit and embark on its lunar journey after nearly 15 days in space.
The manoeuvre is expected to last approximately 28 to 31 minutes, dramatically increasing the spacecraft’s velocity. Once the TLI is complete, Chandrayaan-3 will enter its lunar transfer arc, approximating an elliptical orbit around the Earth with an apogee near the Moon’s orbit.
Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Chandrayaan-3 has executed five successful orbit-raising manoeuvres, bringing it closer to its ultimate destination – the Moon.
The TLI manoeuvre is crucial as it sets the spacecraft on course to intercept the Moon, transforming its orbit from a circular low Earth one to a highly eccentric one. The timing of this manoeuvre is precisely calculated to ensure the spacecraft nears its apogee (closest point) as the Moon approaches, entering the Moon’s sphere of influence and executing a hyperbolic lunar swingby.
Chandrayaan-3 carries scientific instruments designed to study the lunar surface, including the thermophysical properties of the lunar regolith, lunar seismicity, the lunar surface plasma environment, and the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site.
Once it enters the lunar orbit, the mission will transition into its moon-centric phase, with several crucial steps lined up. These include the separation of the lander, a series of deboost manoeuvres, and finally the descent phase for a soft landing on the lunar surface.
After landing, the spacecraft is expected to operate for one lunar day, approximately 14 Earth days. The total cost of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is Rs 615 crores, significantly lower than its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2.
This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey, deepening our understanding of the Moon and paving the way for future lunar missions. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting voyage.
