(WitWave) - The propulsion module that played a crucial role in India's historic moon landing has reentered Earth's orbit, according to the country's space agency. Originally part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the module had more fuel left than anticipated, prompting researchers at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to bring it back toward Earth.
Shaped like a large box with a solar panel and an engine, the propulsion module propelled the lunar lander during most of its journey to the moon, ultimately achieving a successful touchdown on August 23. This accomplishment marked India as the fourth country to land a vehicle on the lunar surface, following the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union.
While the lander and its rover, Pragyan, completed their planned science experiments on the moon before entering sleep mode, the propulsion module remained in lunar orbit. Acting as a relay point, it transmitted data from the lander back to Earth and carried out the SHAPE experiment, observing Earth from lunar orbit to study habitability characteristics in near-infrared light.
The unexpected surplus of fuel in the propulsion module, totaling over 100 kg (220 pounds), led to the decision to bring it back to Earth. The ISRO plans to use the gathered information to inform future lunar missions, possibly paving the way for sample return missions.
The return path of the propulsion module was carefully planned to avoid collisions, ensuring it does not crash onto the moon's surface or enter Earth's geostationary orbit (GEO), which is populated by large satellites providing communication services. Currently orbiting approximately 96,000 miles above Earth, the propulsion module completes one lap around the planet every 13 days.
This development highlights India's continued strides in space exploration and its potential role in future lunar missions, building upon the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
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