How Moon altered the orbit of Chandrayaan-3’s propulsion module?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its Chandrayaan-3 mission, as the spacecraft’s propulsion module had its Earth orbit significantly changed in November 2025 after passing close to the Moon. This remarkable feat was made possible by the lunar gravity, which pulled the spacecraft during two flybys, one at 3,740 km on November 6 and another at 4,537 km on November 11. The most impressive aspect of this achievement is that the orbit was altered without using any fuel, a testament to the ingenuity and precision of the ISRO team.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which was launched earlier this year, is a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which was launched in 2019. The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate the capability to soft-land on the lunar surface and to conduct scientific experiments. The propulsion module, which is a critical component of the spacecraft, is responsible for providing the necessary thrust to navigate the spacecraft through space and to land on the lunar surface.
The lunar gravity assist maneuver, which was used to alter the orbit of the propulsion module, is a complex and delicate process. It involves flying the spacecraft close to the Moon, allowing the lunar gravity to pull the spacecraft and change its trajectory. This maneuver requires precise calculations and careful planning, as the spacecraft must be flown at exactly the right distance and speed to achieve the desired effect.
The first flyby, which took place on November 6, saw the spacecraft pass within 3,740 km of the Moon’s surface. This close approach allowed the lunar gravity to pull the spacecraft, altering its orbit and setting it on a new trajectory. The second flyby, which took place on November 11, saw the spacecraft pass within 4,537 km of the Moon’s surface, further altering its orbit and refining its trajectory.
According to ISRO, the lunar gravity assist maneuver was successful, and the propulsion module’s orbit was significantly changed. The orbit size and direction were altered, setting the stage for the next phase of the mission. The precise calculations and careful planning by the ISRO team paid off, as the spacecraft was able to successfully navigate the lunar gravity and achieve the desired effect.
The success of the lunar gravity assist maneuver is a significant milestone for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and it demonstrates the capabilities of the ISRO team. The ability to alter the orbit of a spacecraft using lunar gravity is a complex and challenging task, and it requires a deep understanding of astrodynamics and spacecraft operations.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to continue for several more months, with the spacecraft conducting a series of scientific experiments and demonstrations. The propulsion module, which has been altered by the lunar gravity, will play a critical role in the success of the mission, providing the necessary thrust to navigate the spacecraft through space and to land on the lunar surface.
In conclusion, the success of the lunar gravity assist maneuver is a testament to the ingenuity and precision of the ISRO team. The ability to alter the orbit of a spacecraft using lunar gravity is a complex and challenging task, and it demonstrates the capabilities of the ISRO team. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to continue for several more months, and it is likely to achieve significant milestones and make important contributions to our understanding of the lunar surface and the space environment.
The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is also a reflection of India’s growing capabilities in space exploration. The ISRO team has demonstrated its ability to design, build, and operate complex spacecraft, and to conduct sophisticated scientific experiments. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant step forward for India’s space program, and it is likely to pave the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond.
As the Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to unfold, it is likely to provide new insights and discoveries about the lunar surface and the space environment. The success of the lunar gravity assist maneuver is a significant milestone, and it demonstrates the capabilities of the ISRO team. The world will be watching with interest as the mission progresses, and it is likely to make significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.
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