Bengaluru: After successfully performing the fifth and final orbit manoeuvre to refine circular path around the moon on Sunday, Chandrayaan-2 was gearing up for the separation of the lander from the orbiter on September 2.
After Sunday’s manoeuvre, ISRO said that all the spacecraft parameters were normal.
ISRO tweeted: "The final and fifth Lunar bound orbit manoeuvre for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully today (September 01, 2019) beginning at 1821 hrs IST as planned, using the onboard propulsion system. The duration of the manoeuvre was 52 seconds. The orbit achieved is 119 km x 127 km.”
The separation of lander ‘Vikram’from Chanrayaan-2 orbiter is scheduled on September 2, 2019, between 1245 hrs and 1345 hrs (IST).
Following this, there would be two deorbit manoeuvres of lander 'Vikram' to prepare for its landing in the south polar region of the moon.
Vikram (with rover 'Pragyan' housed inside) is expected to touch down on the lunar surface on September 7, between 1.30 am and 2.30 am.
After lander’s separation on Monday, ISRO said there would be two deorbit manoeuvres which are scheduled for September 3 (9:00-10:00 am) and September 4 (3:00-4:00am) respectively, before the powered decent on September 7.
