Chandrayaan-3 moves into higher orbit as ISRO’s Moon mission progresses

ISRO confirmed that the mission is proceeding as planned and the spacecraft will continue to raise its orbit through a series of manoeuvres.

Chandrayaan-3 is following a circuitous route instead of a direct path to the moon in order to optimize its travel. (Twitter/@isro)

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The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has successfully completed its third orbit-raising manoeuvre, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The spacecraft, which aims to achieve a soft landing on the moon’s surface next month, has now entered a higher orbit around the Earth.

ISRO confirmed that the mission is proceeding as planned and the spacecraft will continue to raise its orbit through a series of manoeuvres.

“The mission is on schedule,” ISRO said in a tweet.

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The objective is to gradually increase the spacecraft’s altitude before it begins its direct journey towards the moon. Once it reaches the moon, Chandrayaan-3 will perform further manoeuvres to lower its orbit and eventually settle into a circular orbit approximately 100 km above the lunar surface. The final descent to the moon’s surface is scheduled to take place on August 23 or 24.

Chandrayaan-3 is following a circuitous route instead of a direct path to the moon in order to optimize its travel. Direct travel to the moon would require larger rockets and a significant amount of fuel. By utilizing the force of gravity and carefully timed thruster firings, the spacecraft can conserve fuel while taking a longer route to reach its destination.

The fourth orbit-raising manoeuvre is slated for Thursday, July 20, between 2 and 3 pm, ISRO said.

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