Chandrayaan-3's lander module successfully separates from propulsion module
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has just provided a big update on Chandrayaan-3. The lander module (LM)—comprising the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover— has successfully separated from the propulsion module (PM). Next, a deboost maneuver, aimed to lower the LM's orbit, is scheduled for tomorrow around 4:00pm. According to the current plans, the mission will land on the Moon on August 23.
Deboost maneuver has been planned for the lander module tomorrow
The propulsion module will remain in its current orbit
Now that the LM has disengaged, the PM will continue in its current orbit for the months to come. It will perform observations via its onboard payload, dubbed SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth). SHAPE is equipped to collect data based on the polarization of light reflected by Earth which will be used to probe for exoplanets that exhibit similar characteristics as ours.
The mission is inching closer toward lunar landing
The most anticipated part of the mission is safe lunar landing, which its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2 could not pull off. Via upcoming maneuvers, the LM will ultimately be brought to an orbit where the apolune (farthest point from the Moon) is 100km and perilune (closest point to the Moon) is 30km. Decelerating the lander's velocity to its final landing position will be a critical process.
The final lunar landing is planned for August 23
When the spacecraft is at the 30km perilune, it will be in a horizontal orientation. It must then shift from a horizontal to a vertical orientation in order to make a safe touchdown on the Moon.
