Chandrayaan-3 gets closer to moon, commences orbit circularisation phase

Chandrayaan-3 is just one step away from the lander been separated as the spacecraft closes in on moon. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday announced that the orbit circularisation phase was commenced and it has achieved a near-circular orbit of 150km x 177km.

"Orbit circularisation phase commences. Precise maneuvre performed today has achieved a near-circular orbit of 150 km x 177 km. The next operation is planned for August 16, 2023, around 0830 Hrs. IST," said ISRO.

On August 9, ISRO had guided Chandrayaan-3 to an orbit of 174km X 1,437 km. While on August 6, the spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction manoeuvre. “The retrofiring of engines brought it closer to the moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4,313 km,” said ISRO.

The Chandrayaan-3 has successfully inserted into the lunar orbit two weeks back.

ISRO had informed that there will be three moon-bound manoeuvres before the landing module breaking away from the propulsion module.

Since the launch on July 14, ISRO has been lifting the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into orbits away from the Earth in over five moves.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.