BENGALURU: Showing that India cannot solely ship objects to the Moon but in addition deliver them again, ISRO has efficiently returned the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module (PM), initially supposed for lunar operations, to Earth‘s orbit after surpassing its lunar mission aims.
This marks one other achievement, following the lunar hop by Vikram (lander), showcasing the potential of reigniting engines on the Moon and controlling gear — operations that ISRO had not initially deliberate.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched on July 14, 2023, aimed to showcase a delicate touchdown close to the lunar south polar area and conduct experiments utilizing the Vikram Lander and Pragyaan rover. With the Vikram Lander making a historic landing on the Moon on August 23, and the mission’s aims fulfilled, consideration turned to the excess gasoline of the PM.

Utilizing progressive mission methods, ISRO determined to increase the PM’s operational life and leverage its remaining gasoline for future lunar missions. After cautious planning and maneuvering, the PM’s trajectory was adjusted to transition from lunar orbit to Earth orbit, avoiding potential collisions with the Moon or Earth’s GEO belt.

“The return maneuvers, initiated in October 2023, involved raising the apolune altitude and performing a Trans-Earth Injection (TEI) maneuver. The PM completed four Moon flybys before departing the Moon’s Sphere of Influence (

SOI) on November 10,” ISRO stated.
Currently, it orbits Earth, having crossed its first perigee on November 22, with no threats to operational satellites based mostly on present orbit predictions, it added.

The SHAPE payload onboard the PM, designed for Earth statement, continues to function as deliberate. ISRO’s flight dynamics group has developed a complicated evaluation device for this operation, demonstrating ISRO’s dedication to advancing area exploration capabilities.
“Key outcomes from the return maneuvers include trajectory planning for Moon-to-Earth transitions, software module development for maneuver planning, execution of gravity-assisted flybys, and the avoidance of uncontrolled crashing to meet debris creation standards,” ISRO stated.
The profitable repositioning of the PM not solely extends its mission life but in addition contributes helpful insights and capabilities for future lunar missions.