Chandrayaan 3, the highly anticipated lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recently faced a moment of intrigue when it Short approximately 6 kilometers orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) is performed.
![Chandrayaan-3's Orbital Victory: India's Lunar Exploration Enters a New Phase](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/orbit-300x225.png)
This deviation from the target raised questions and curiosity among space enthusiasts about the reasons behind the unexpected outcome later in the mission. Let’s delve into the details and explore the possible factors that led to the spacecraft’s unexpected distance from its target destination.
![Chandrayaan-3 Falls Short of Target Orbit, But Mission Still on Track](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISROLAUNCH-234x300.jpg)
![Chandrayaan-3 Falls Short of Target Orbit, But Mission Still on Track](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISROLAUNCH-234x300.jpg)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) for Chandrayaan-3 on July 25, 2023. However, the spacecraft fell short of the target orbit by 6 kilometers.
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
A Successful Orbit-Raising Maneuver
The Chandrayaan 3 mission embarked on its journey with an orbit-raising maneuver, also known as the Earth-bound perigee firing, successfully performed from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. This initial phase involved carefully calculated maneuvers to elevate the spacecraft’s orbit and set it on course towards the Moon.
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
Anticipated Orbit Parameters
Before the mission, scientists and engineers at ISRO projected the spacecraft to attain an orbit of 127609 km x 236 km around the Earth. This orbit configuration was carefully planned to provide the optimal trajectory for the spacecraft’s journey towards the Moon.
An Unexpected Outcome
Despite meticulous planning and precise calculations, the spacecraft ended up achieving an orbit slightly different from the projected parameters. Instead of reaching the expected 127609 km x 236 km orbit, Chandrayaan 3 achieved an orbit of 127603 km x 236 km.
![Falls Short of Target Orbit](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO2.png)
![Falls Short of Target Orbit](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO2.png)
Investigating the Deviation
The discrepancy of 6 kilometers in the spacecraft’s orbital distance has intrigued ISRO’s team of experts, who are now diligently investigating the cause of the unexpected outcome. Detailed analysis of data transmitted by the spacecraft during the orbit-raising maneuver is underway to identify any technical anomalies or operational factors that might have led to the deviation from the target.
Learning from Setbacks
Space exploration is a complex and challenging endeavor, and setbacks are not uncommon. ISRO has a history of learning from past missions to continuously improve future attempts. Each mission provides valuable insights and experience that contribute to the refinement of techniques and strategies for space exploration.
![Chandrayaan-3's Orbital Victory: India's Lunar Exploration Enters a New Phase](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/orbit-300x225.png)
The Spirit of Exploration Persists
Despite the unexpected outcome, the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge remain at the forefront of Chandrayaan 3’s mission. ISRO’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the Moon and pushing the boundaries of space exploration is unwavering.
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
![Earth-bound perigee firing](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO1-300x160.png)
![Chandrayaan-3's Orbital Victory: India's Lunar Exploration Enters a New Phase](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/orbit-300x225.png)
![Falls Short of Target Orbit](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO2.png)
![Falls Short of Target Orbit](https://fossbyte.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISRO2.png)
As the investigation into the deviation continues, ISRO’s dedication to understanding and overcoming challenges in space exploration shines through. Chandrayaan 3’s journey may have encountered an unexpected turn, but the determination to explore and uncover the secrets of the cosmos remains undeterred. The scientific community and space enthusiasts eagerly await further updates from ISRO, confident that the agency’s expertise and perseverance will pave the way for future successful lunar missions.Chandrayaan-3 Falls Short of Target Orbit, But Mission Still on Track,spacecraft health is totally good.