Chandrayaan-3's Propulsion Module Shift from Moon to Earth Orbit: ISRO Declares Earth Return
- Posted on December 5, 2023
- Technology
- By Arijit Dutta
- 256 Views
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully shifted Chandrayaan-3's Propulsion Module (PM) from the Moon's orbit to Earth's. The maneuver, initiated in October, ensures the module's safe return, avoiding collisions with space debris or the Moon's surface. ISRO continues operating its scientific payload, achieving successful Earth observations.
ISRO
recently revealed a monumental achievement in space exploration. The Propulsion
Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3, previously orbiting the Moon, has been
strategically relocated to Earth's orbit, as confirmed by the Indian Space
Research Organization. This unique experiment, akin to the Vikram Lander's hop
experiment, marks a significant advancement in space navigation.
Chandrayaan-3,
launched with a primary objective to demonstrate a lunar south polar landing
and conduct experiments using the Vikram and Pragyaan instruments, commenced
its mission on July 14, 2023. The historic touchdown of the Vikram Lander on
the Moon on August 23rd led to the subsequent deployment of the Pragyaan rover.
Following
meticulous operations and achievement of mission goals, the PM's primary
objective was to transport the Lander module to the final lunar polar circular
orbit and separate it. Post-separation, the SHAPE payload, meant for Earth
observation, was activated. Initially planned to operate for three months
during the PM's mission life, the spacecraft ended up retaining over 100 kg of
fuel after a month in lunar orbit.
To ensure the safe continuation of Earth observations, the PM was repositioned to a suitable Earth orbit, meticulously planned to prevent collisions with the Moon or Earth's GEO belt. The complex maneuver, starting with adjustments in orbit altitude on October 9, 2023, and a subsequent Trans-Earth injection maneuver on October 13, facilitated the module's Earth-bound trajectory.
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The
successful navigation through Moon fly-bys and the PM's current orbit around
Earth, characterized by varying altitudes and safe distances from operational
Earth-orbiting satellites, demonstrates ISRO's precision in space missions. The
ongoing operation of the SHAPE payload, especially during a solar eclipse,
showcases ISRO's commitment to comprehensive scientific endeavors.
Furthermore,
ISRO's flight dynamics team's development of sophisticated analysis tools
ensures future mission preparedness, validating trajectory planning and
execution techniques. These remarkable achievements mark a significant
milestone in India's space exploration endeavors, showcasing ISRO's expertise
in interplanetary navigation and scientific exploration.