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ISRO Announces Milestone in Chandrayaan-3 Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its Chandryaan-3 mission. The propulsion module of the spacecraft has successfully separated from the lander, marking the completion of lunar-bound maneuvers. This separation occurred on August 17, and the propulsion module is now continuing its journey around the moon.
The propulsion module is crucial to the mission as it acts as a communication relay satellite, carrying the lander and rover configuration until the spacecraft reaches a 100-kilometer lunar orbit. Meanwhile, the lander named Vikram remains in the same orbit, performing its own set of tasks.
One of the primary tasks assigned to the propulsion module is the operation of the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. This device will study the spectropolarimeter signatures of the Earth in the near-infrared wavelength range. By gathering data on Earth’s atmosphere and measuring variations in polarization from the clouds on Earth, the SHAPE payload aims to accumulate signatures of exoplanets that may potentially support life. This will significantly enhance our understanding of habitability beyond our planet.
The propulsion module will continue its journey in the current lunar orbit for months or even years, allowing the SHAPE payload to gather substantial data. This data will not only enhance our knowledge of Earth’s atmosphere but also contribute to the discovery of habitable exoplanets.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched on July 14, 2023, aims to demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover roving, and in-situ scientific experiments. The successful separation of the propulsion module is a significant step towards achieving these objectives.
India’s ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission is garnering global attention as it continues to advance space exploration. The propulsion module’s pivotal role in this endeavor highlights India’s progress in its space program.
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