Chandrayaan-3, India’s lunar mission, achieved a significant breakthrough as its lander module ‘Vikram’ and the propulsion module successfully detached on Thursday. This separation marks a pivotal step towards the anticipated soft landing on the Moon’s surface, scheduled for August 23.
On August 16, the propulsion module accomplished its final maneuver around the lunar orbit, following earlier orbit reduction maneuvers on August 6, 9, and 14. The propulsion module played a crucial role in positioning the lander and rover closer to the Moon while also acting as a communication relay satellite.
Post-separation from the lander, the propulsion module will assume a new purpose. It is tasked with utilizing the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to search for extraterrestrial life on exoplanets beyond our solar system. The propulsion module will continue its trajectory in the current orbit for an extended duration, enabling the SHAPE payload to conduct a spectroscopic analysis of Earth’s atmosphere. This data will facilitate the study of exoplanets conducive to sustaining life and enhance our comprehension of Earth’s atmosphere.
Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, expressed confidence in Chandrayaan-3’s progress, affirming that all systems were operating according to plan.
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