Chandrayaan-3's Pivotal Moment : Vikram Lander Set for Imminent Separation from Spacecraft

New Delhi, 17 August, (VNI) Chandrayaan-3's upcoming event involves the Vikram lander's anticipated detachment from the spacecraft's propulsion unit. On August 23, there are expectations for the Pragyaan rover, accompanying the lander, to execute a lunar landing. The ensuing activity on the Moon encompasses the Vikram lander capturing images of the Pragyaan rover, which will then initiate the deployment of its instruments. These instruments serve the purpose of investigating seismic occurrences on the lunar terrain.

India's ambitious lunar undertaking, Chandrayaan-3, marked a significant achievement with the successful conclusion of its fifth and conclusive orbit adjustment maneuver. This operation culminated in a closer approach to the Moon's surface.
With the completion of its lunar-oriented maneuvers, the spacecraft is poised to initiate the disconnection procedure between the Vikram lander and the propulsion unit.

"Today's proficient propulsion operation, characterized by its brief yet essential duration, has effectively positioned Chandrayaan-3 into its intended orbital configuration of 153 km by 163 km. This marks the successful culmination of lunar trajectory adjustments. The upcoming focus revolves around preparatory endeavors, as both the Propulsion Module and Lander Module gear up for their distinct trajectories," as stated by ISRO via its communication platform X, previously known as Twitter.

Chandrayaan-3 Expedition:
The successful propulsion operation conducted today, acknowledged for its concise time span, has efficiently situated Chandrayaan-3 within the desired orbital parameters of 153 km by 163 km.

With this achievement, the sequence of maneuvers exclusively aimed at lunar proximity has been concluded.
A forthcoming phase is set in motion, encompassing strategic arrangements as the Propulsion Module and Lander Module… pic.twitter.com/0Iwi8GrgVR

— ISRO (@isro) August 16, 2023
The commencement of Chandrayaan-3 involved its launch through the LVM3 rocket, originating from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota on July 14. Subsequently, the spacecraft assumed lunar orbit on August 5, and a lunar touchdown is projected for August 23.

A recent milestone by ISRO entailed the successful establishment of Chandrayaan-3 within a circular orbital path, characterized by dimensions of 153 kilometers by 163 kilometers around the Moon. This encompassed the culmination of all maneuvers pertaining to lunar alignment.

Post the forthcoming separation of the Vikram lander from the spacecraft, the propulsion component shall persist along its current trajectory. On the pivotal date of August 23, a carefully executed soft landing endeavor will be undertaken by the Vikram lander upon the lunar terrain.

The Vikram lander, post-separation, will undertake photographic documentation of the Pragyaan rover. Notably, the rover will undertake an intricate procedure employing laser emissions to initiate the transformation of the lunar regolith. This process will, in turn, facilitate the analysis of emitted gases resulting from this transformation.