Chandrayaan-3 Misses Short of Target Orbit, but Mission Remains on Course Still on Track

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

                                          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.

The target orbit was 127,609 kilometers by 236 kilometers. However, Chandrayaan-3 achieved an orbit of 127,603 kilometers by 236 kilometers.

This means that Chandrayaan-3 is now 6 kilometers closer to the Earth than planned. However, this is not a major issue, and the mission is still on track.

The orbit-raising maneuver was conducted to prepare Chandrayaan-3 for its lunar insertion maneuver, which is scheduled to take place on August 23, 2023.

During the lunar insertion maneuver, Chandrayaan-3 will be injected into a lunar orbit of 100 kilometers by 100 kilometers. The spacecraft will then descend to the lunar surface and land near the Manzinus C and Simpelius N craters.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone for India’s space program. It is the third lunar mission launched by ISRO, and the first to attempt a soft landing on the moon since Chandrayaan-2 in 2019.

The mission is expected to gather valuable scientific data about the moon, including its geology, history, and potential for resources.

ISRO is confident that Chandrayaan-3 will be a success, despite the slight deviation from the target orbit. The mission is still on track, and the spacecraft is in good health.

                                                                             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.