Lunar Race: Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Detaches, Luna-25 Orbits
In a remarkable stride towards lunar exploration, the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 mission has achieved a significant feat by maneuvering into a nearly circular lunar orbit. Following a successful adjustment on Wednesday, the spacecraft gracefully settled into an orbit measuring 153 by 163 kilometers around the Moon. Adding to the excitement, the Vikram lander is poised for detachment from the propulsion module today.
In this fast-paced race to conquer the Moon, another formidable contender, Russia's Luna-25 mission, has triumphantly entered lunar orbit. With its sights set on a soft landing attempt between August 21 and 23, Luna-25 could potentially outpace Chandrayaan-3's planned touchdown on August 23.
ALSO READ: Chandrayaan-3 Update: Successful Lunar Orbit Lowering and Moon Soft Landing Ahead
The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, jubilantly declared, “Luna-25 has gracefully embraced lunar orbit through meticulous propulsion system activations.” The initial activation, a 243-second corrective braking burn, was followed by a second maneuver utilizing soft landing engines, lasting 76 seconds. Encouragingly, all systems aboard Luna-25 are operational, maintaining steady communication as it gears up for its journey toward a delicate lunar south pole landing.
Meanwhile, the Chandrayaan-3 mission has further shortened the distance to the Moon's surface with its fifth and final lunar-bound orbit maneuver. This accomplishment has set the stage for the imminent separation of the lander module—a composite of the lander and rover—from the propulsion module.
Following separation, the lander will gracefully execute a “deboost” maneuver, positioning itself in an orbit characterized by a closest point (Perilune) of 30 kilometers and a farthest point (Apolune) of 100 kilometers. This orbit configuration will culminate in a highly anticipated soft landing attempt on the lunar south pole at 5:47 pm on August 23.
Embarking on a comparison of the two lunar explorers, Luna-25's launch on August 11 was gracefully facilitated by a potent Soyuz-2 Fregat booster. In contrast, ISRO chose the Launch Vehicle Mark-III for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which embarked on its journey on July 14
A remarkable distinction lies in Luna-25's advantage of surplus fuel storage, eliminating concerns over fuel efficiency. This strategic edge enables Luna-25 to chart a more direct trajectory, as explained by Dr. K Sivan, former ISRO chairperson. On the flip side, Chandrayaan-3's limited fuel capacity necessitated a more circuitous route to its lunar destination.
Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Attains Lunar Orbit’s Final Position, Lander Set for Separation Today
Furthermore, Luna-25 boasts a lighter lift-off mass of 1,750 kilograms, distinctly leaner than Chandrayaan-3's 3,800 kilograms. This streamlined mass empowers Luna-25 with greater acceleration efficiency, contributing to its competitive edge in this enthralling lunar pursuit.
As these two missions sprint towards their respective lunar aspirations, space enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await their next groundbreaking chapters in the unfolding saga of human exploration beyond our planet
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