This 'deboosting' of lander Vikram is considered as the starting point for the anticipated soft landing attempt on the Moon's south polar region which is expected to take place on August 23.
Following yeterday's separation from the propulsion module, India's third lunar mission's lander Vikram today successfully completed a 'deboosting' operation,a method followed to slow down ahead of the soft landing on lunar surface. Lander Vikram is expected to make a soft landing on the Moon's south pole on August 23.
This move is considered as the starting point for the anticipated soft landing attempt on the Moon's south polar region.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced today that following yesterday's separation, the lander today successfully underwent a "deboost" procedure to slow down its speed. The next deboosting is scheduled on August 20.
According to the scientists, this particular deboosting action is designed to station the lander in an orbit where the closest point to the Moon (Perilune) will be 30 km, and the farthest point (Apolune) will be 100 km.
Meanwhile, the Propulsion Module will persist in its current orbital trajectory, collecting valuable research data over the course of potentially months or even years.