ISRO reports Chandrayaan-3 is in Moon’s dominant orbit
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Researchers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provided an update on the Chandrayaan-3 mission on Thursday, explaining that the spacecraft’s Propulsion Module (PM) has moved into the Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI), the region around the Moon where gravity is at its optimum. According to the agency, the module entered this zone on November 4, and the first lunar flyby took place on November 6 at 7.23 UT.
ISRO noted that this initial flyby happened beyond the range of the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), which can track objects only within 3,740 km of the lunar surface. They also mentioned that a second flyby, occurring on November 11, fell within IDSN’s visibility. During this event, the module passed as close as 4,537 km from the Moon at 23.18 UT.
Scientists added that Chandrayaan-3’s PM is expected to leave the Moon’s Sphere of Influence on November 14.
The organisation reiterated that Chandrayaan-3’s objectives include proving its ability to execute a safe, controlled landing on the lunar surface, besides Rover roving on the Moon and conducting in-situ experiments, TNIE reported.
The satellite, carried by the LVM3 launcher from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, was placed into space on July 14, 2023. After it touched down on the Moon on August 23, ISRO operated the Propulsion Module (PM) in a lunar orbit of about 150 km until October 2023. At that point, the module was shifted into a high-altitude Earth-bound trajectory through a series of Trans-Earth Injection manoeuvres.
Since its relocation, the PM has continued to orbit under the combined gravitational influences of both the Earth and the Moon.
According to ISRO researchers, the satellite’s orbit and inclination have been altered because of the ongoing lunar flyby events. They said the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) is keeping a close watch on these trajectories.
Scientists also mentioned that they are paying special attention to the module’s path and its proximity to other Beyond Earth Space Objects. They indicated that the satellite is functioning normally during the flybys and that it has not come close to any other lunar orbiters.
The team added that these events are providing valuable lessons in mission planning, operations, flight dynamics perspectives and have specially enhanced the understanding of disturbance torques effects.