How Moon altered the orbit of Chandrayaan-3’s propulsion module?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable feat with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, which has been making headlines in the space community. In a recent development, the propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 had its Earth orbit significantly changed in November 2025 after passing close to the Moon. This alteration in the orbit was not a result of any fuel-powered maneuver, but rather the result of the lunar gravity pulling the spacecraft during two close flybys.
The first flyby occurred on November 6, when the propulsion module passed within 3,740 km of the Moon’s surface. The second flyby took place on November 11, at a distance of 4,537 km. During these close encounters, the Moon’s gravity exerted a significant force on the spacecraft, naturally altering its path without the need for any fuel consumption. This phenomenon is a testament to the incredible power of gravitational forces in space and the ingenuity of space agencies like ISRO in leveraging these forces to achieve their mission objectives.
The changed orbit of the propulsion module has significant implications for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. According to ISRO, the lunar gravity has altered the module’s orbit size and direction, which will likely impact the spacecraft’s trajectory and overall mission plan. While the exact details of the orbit change have not been publicly disclosed, it is clear that the Moon’s gravity has played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
So, how exactly did the Moon’s gravity alter the orbit of the propulsion module? To understand this, it’s essential to delve into the basics of gravitational forces and their effects on spacecraft. In simple terms, gravity is a force that attracts two objects with mass towards each other. The strength of this force depends on the mass of the objects and the distance between them. When a spacecraft passes close to a celestial body like the Moon, it experiences a significant gravitational force that can alter its trajectory.
In the case of the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module, the Moon’s gravity pulled the spacecraft during the two close flybys, causing it to change its orbit. This change in orbit is a result of the gravitational force exerted by the Moon on the spacecraft, which slowed it down and altered its direction. The exact magnitude of the orbit change depends on various factors, including the mass of the spacecraft, the distance of the flyby, and the velocity of the spacecraft at the time of the flyby.
The use of gravitational forces to alter a spacecraft’s orbit is a common technique employed by space agencies around the world. This technique, known as a gravity assist, allows spacecraft to change their trajectory and gain speed without consuming fuel. Gravity assists have been used in numerous missions, including the Voyager and Cassini missions, to explore the outer reaches of our solar system.
The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is a testament to the capabilities of ISRO and its ability to design and execute complex space missions. The altered orbit of the propulsion module is a significant achievement, demonstrating the agency’s expertise in navigating the complexities of space travel. As the mission continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see how the changed orbit of the propulsion module impacts the overall mission plan and the scientific discoveries that will be made.
In conclusion, the alteration of the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module’s orbit by the Moon’s gravity is a remarkable achievement that highlights the power of gravitational forces in space. The use of gravity assists is a clever technique that allows spacecraft to change their trajectory without consuming fuel, and the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is a testament to the ingenuity of space agencies like ISRO. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of space, it’s essential to appreciate the incredible forces that shape the motion of celestial bodies and the spacecraft that venture into the unknown.
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