Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has brought its lunar propulsion module home. Chandrayaan-3’s Propulsion Module has been brought back from its lunar orbit back to Earth.
Initially designed for lunar operations, the PM’s return to Earth orbit comes on the heels of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success.
Significance for manned missions and Earth observation
The return of chandrayaan-3 holds profound implications for upcoming manned missions and Earth observation initiatives.
With its primary lunar objectives fulfilled, the propulsion module is now repurposed for Earth-centric applications, offering valuable insights for future space exploration endeavours.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Ch-3's Propulsion Module (PM) takes a successful detour!
In another unique experiment, the PM is brought from Lunar orbit to Earth’s orbit.
An orbit-raising maneuver and a Trans-Earth injection maneuver placed PM in an Earth-bound orbit.… pic.twitter.com/qGNBhXrwff
— ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2023Chandrayaan-3 is a key experiment for ISRO’s future missions
This strategic move is a key experiment in ISRO’s playbook, showcasing their capability to adapt and repurpose space assets.
The successful relocation of Chandrayaan-3 sets the stage for Earth-focused missions and aligns with ISRO’s ambitious plans to reintroduce manned missions in the coming years.
India’s journey to the stars
Early beginnings:
India’s journey into space began in the early 1960s with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was later reorganised into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975, marking the country’s entry into the space age.
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Budget efficiency
India’s space program is known for its remarkable cost-effectiveness. The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013, gained global attention for its success in reaching Mars and its modest budget.
Mangalyaan’s mission cost was significantly lower than similar missions by other space agencies, showcasing India’s ability to achieve impressive feats within constrained budgets.
International collaborations
ISRO actively engages in international collaborations, fostering partnerships with various space agencies and organisations.
The most notable example is the successful collaboration with NASA on the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, which discovered water molecules on the lunar surface.
Additionally, ISRO has launched numerous satellites for countries worldwide, showcasing India’s space capabilities on a global stage.
Record-breaking satellite launch
In February 2017, ISRO made history by launching 104 satellites in a single mission using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This achievement set a new world record for the highest number of satellites launched simultaneously. The mission included satellites from various countries, emphasizing India’s growing stature in the commercial satellite launch market.
Mars orbiter mission milestone
India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) is particularly noteworthy for several reasons. Launched in 2013, it made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
Mangalyaan’s success showcased India’s technological prowess and was achieved at a fraction of the cost compared to similar missions by other space agencies, earning India global recognition in space exploration.
India’s space program continues to evolve, with ongoing missions and plans for future endeavours, including manned space missions and ambitious lunar exploration projects. These lesser-known aspects highlight the unique and groundbreaking achievements of India’s space endeavors.
