Edging closer to Moon! Chandrayaan 2 successfully performs second Lunar Orbit Maneuver
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Bangalore, Aug. 21: With successful injection in Lunar Orbit, India’s pride, India’s 2nd moon mission Chandrayaan 2 is furthering with perfect precise measures towards the Moon. Now, making another successful maneuver, Chandrayaan 2 successfully completed its 2nd Lunar Orbit maneuver.
The critical maneuver was begun at 12.50 pm IST, using the onboard propulsion system. It lasted about 20 minutes, during which time the spacecraft was brought closer to the lunar surface. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on Tuesday, 20 August after a week sojourn from liftoff.
As per the official statement, Second Lunar bound orbit maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully today (August 21, 2019) beginning at 1250 hrs IST as planned, using the onboard propulsion system. The duration of the maneuver was 1228 seconds. The orbit achieved is 118 km x 4412 km.
ISRO also said, “The maneuver lasted exactly 1228 seconds, and the final orbit achieved was 118 x 4412 km (nearest X farthest distance). The space agency said all the parameters of the craft are normal. The series of orbit maneuvers will enable Chandrayaan 2 to enter its final orbit passing over the lunar poles at a distance of about 100 km from the moon's surface”.
The official statement also said, “All spacecraft parameters are normal. The next Lunar bound orbit maneuver is scheduled on August 28, 2019, between 0530 - 0630 hrs IST”.
Each of these manoeuvers will lower the orbital altitude of Chandrayaan 2 in preparation for landing. From 2nd September, all eyes will be on the lander, Dr. Sivan said, much like a bridegroom on her wedding.
Chandrayaan 2 is expected to make its long-awaited powered descent and landing on 7 September at 1.40 am IST in a landing sequence that the ISRO Chief describes as '15 minutes of terror'.