ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module Achieves Historic Return from Lunar Surface to Earth Orbit
TNR DESK
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully brought back the Propulsion Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3 from the lunar surface to an orbit around the Earth. This unprecedented maneuver marks the first instance globally of retrieving a spacecraft from the moon and returning it to Earth orbit.
The relocation of the PM was executed through meticulously planned orbit-raising and Trans-Earth injection maneuvers, placing the module in an earth-bound orbit inclined at 27 degrees. Srimathy Kesan, the founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, commended the ISRO team for their meticulous execution, emphasizing the significance of avoiding collisions with operational satellites and ensuring the PM’s safe return.
Noteworthy outcomes of this historic feat include the development of a software module specifically designed for lunar-to-earth maneuvers, opening avenues for gravity-assisted flybys across planets. This achievement not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also sets the stage for innovative advancements in future space missions.
The Chandrayaan-3 PM, which carried the lander and rover, entered lunar orbit on August 5. Following a successful landing near the lunar south pole on August 23, the PM underwent four lunar flybys, capturing high-resolution images and conducting scientific observations with the Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload.
Due to efficient fuel management, the PM had over 100kg of fuel left after more than a month of lunar operations. Utilizing the surplus fuel, ISRO decided to reposition the PM to an earth orbit, ensuring the continued observation of Earth by the SHAPE payload.
ISRO’s careful consideration of fuel availability and safety measures resulted in the design of an optimal earth return trajectory for October 2023. The return maneuvers not only showcased technical prowess but also laid the groundwork for future missions, including gravity-assisted flybys and preventing uncontrolled crashes on the moon’s surface.
The successful return of Chandrayaan-3’s PM to Earth’s orbit marks a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration, demonstrating a fusion of technological innovation, meticulous planning, and pioneering achievements that elevate India’s presence in the global space community.
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