Chandrayaan-3: ISRO Confirms Successful Separation of Vikram Lander from Propulsion Module

New Delhi, 17 Aug, (VNi) In a momentous stride towards scientific and technological excellence, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is on the cusp of etching its name in the annals of space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), renowned for its pioneering endeavors, stands on the verge of achieving a significant feat – a successful soft landing on the Moon. The meticulously orchestrated Chandrayaan-3 mission is now poised for its scheduled lunar touchdown on August 23. If all proceeds as planned, India will secure its position among the elite group of nations that have accomplished the remarkable feat of landing on the Moon. As of now, this distinction is held only by the United States, Russia, and China. However, with Chandrayaan-3's imminent lunar rendezvous, India is set to join this exclusive club as the fourth member. The journey of Chandrayaan-3 commenced on July 14, propelled by the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. After traversing the expanse of space, the spacecraft is now on a precise trajectory aimed at achieving a historic rendezvous with the lunar surface on August 23. This mission represents India's third lunar expedition and its second endeavor to achieve a delicate landing on the Moon's challenging terrain. As the countdown to the much-anticipated landing continues, the Lander Module is prepared for its pivotal role in the mission. On August 18, at approximately 1600 hrs IST, the Vikram lander will embark on a carefully choreographed maneuver, signaling the final phase of this ambitious lunar endeavor. Remarkably, this phase will be executed without the support of a propulsion module, underscoring ISRO's technical prowess and strategic acumen. In a recent development, the Lander Module, comprising both the lander and rover components, has successfully disengaged from the Propulsion Module. This separation marks a critical milestone in the mission's progress, clearing the path for the Lander Module to descend to a slightly lower lunar orbit. This intricate dance of celestial mechanics is set to unfold on Friday, adding a layer of complexity to the mission's already impressive achievements. Meanwhile, the Propulsion Module, having fulfilled its role admirably, will continue its orbit around the lunar body, a testament to human ingenuity and engineering excellence. As Chandrayaan-3 inches closer to its lunar destination, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness India's name inscribed alongside the pioneers of lunar exploration. A successful historic landing will not only be a moment of national pride but also a testament to India's burgeoning influence in the global space community. With Chandrayaan-3, India takes a significant leap towards unraveling the mysteries of the Moon and expanding humanity's horizons. As the culmination of meticulous planning, innovation, and unwavering dedication draws near, the entire nation stands united in eager anticipation, poised to celebrate another remarkable achievement in human exploration and scientific advancement.