India’s space agency, ISRO, has achieved a major milestone in its Moon mission by successfully bringing back the propulsion module of the Chandrayaan-3 rocket back to Earth’s orbit. This accomplishment is highly significant as it paves the way for future manned missions and inter-planetary exploration. The propulsion module, which detached from the Vikram lander after it descended near the Moon’s south pole, has now re-entered Earth’s orbit and will continue to monitor Earth with its scientific instrument, SHAPE.
Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing near the little-explored lunar south pole region established India as the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union, and China. The lander and the rover spent two weeks gathering valuable data and images before entering sleep mode during the lunar nightfall. Meanwhile, the propulsion module continued to orbit the Moon and maintained communication with ISRO.
The complex journey of the propulsion module began on 9 October, when it increased its orbit from 150km to 5,112km. After several orbits around the Moon, the module left the lunar sphere of influence on 10 November and has been orbiting Earth since then. Positioned at a height of over 115,000km, well above the orbit of geostationary satellites, the module remains safe from collision risks.
One of the key aspects of this achievement is ISRO’s decision to utilize the remaining 100kg of fuel in the propulsion module for conducting “unique experiments.” These experiments will yield additional information crucial for future lunar missions and provide insights into potential sample return missions or human expeditions.
The success of the “hop experiment” performed by the Vikram lander further boosts ISRO’s capabilities. This maneuver involved the lander firing its engines, elevating itself by approximately 40cm, and landing at a distance of 30-40cm. The ability to execute such controlled movements opens doors for future sample return missions and human spaceflight endeavors.
By bringing back the propulsion module to Earth, ISRO has demonstrated its commitment to mitigating space debris. If left on the lunar surface, the module would have remained as debris, potentially posing challenges for future missions. This responsible approach showcases ISRO’s dedication to sustainable space exploration.
This achievement also paves the way for India to take significant strides in future manned missions, space exploration, and inter-planetary missions. With the module successfully capturing and sending data back to ISRO through SHAPE, valuable insights are expected to contribute to scientific advancements and further our understanding of Earth and celestial bodies.
ISRO’s accomplishment will not only boost India’s reputation in the global space community but will also inspire and motivate future generations of scientists, researchers, and space enthusiasts. The successful return of the propulsion module marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey and solidifies its position as a key player in space technology and innovation.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, it is crucial to remain cautious and considerate of potential challenges and risks that may arise during future lunar missions. Effectively managing and conserving resources, ensuring the safety of astronauts, and addressing technical complexities are among the key areas that demand attention.
India’s accomplishment in successfully bringing back the propulsion module presents a turning point in the nation’s space exploration endeavors. As ISRO continues to push boundaries and explore the unknown, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, scientific advancements, and international collaborations is vast. With every mission, India reinforces its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and expanding our knowledge of the universe.
