ANS: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone, confirming the successful injection of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into the translunar orbit. The announcement came after Chandrayaan-3 completed its orbits around the Earth and embarked on its journey towards the Moon, marking a crucial step in India’s lunar exploration mission.
The critical manoeuvre, termed “perigee-firing,” was executed at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) during the early hours of Tuesday. The propulsion method employed a slingshot effect to propel the spacecraft towards the Moon, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
ISRO proudly confirmed the spacecraft’s successful insertion into the translunar orbit, expressing excitement for the upcoming phase of the mission. “Chandrayaan-3 completes its orbits around the Earth and heads towards the Moon,” stated the national space agency, adding, “Next stop: the moon.” The agency has planned the Lunar-Orbit Insertion for August 5, 2023, marking the next crucial step in the mission.
The spacecraft’s journey has been meticulously managed since the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon on July 14. Its orbit was gradually raised in five carefully planned stages to prepare for the lunar journey.
The ultimate goal is to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface on 23 August, which India aims to achieve with Chandrayaan-3.