India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has moved closer to the Moon’s surface after undergoing an orbit reduction manoeuvre. Launched on July 14, the mission entered lunar orbit on August 5, and the recent manoeuvre has reduced the spacecraft’s orbit to 174 km x 1437 km. Two more orbit reduction manoeuvres are scheduled for August 14 and 16 to bring the spacecraft to a 100 km orbit, after which the landing module, including the lander and rover, will separate from the propulsion module. The lander is expected to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region on August 23.
Regardless of the outcome of the landing, the mission is already considered a success and showcases India’s expertise in space technology. It is also a testament to the support and strategic initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Under the Modi government, the aerospace sector has experienced a significant increase in budget. The budget for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) increased from around Rs 5,000 crore in 2014 to around Rs 12,000 crore by FY24. This increased funding has been critical in acquiring cutting-edge technology, hiring top talent, and ensuring rigorous testing and quality control.
ISRO has also fostered international collaborations, launching satellites for various countries and partnering on global space missions. The agency has demonstrated resource optimization, with the combined expenditure for lunar and Martian missions being less than the budget of the Hollywood movie Interstellar. The Modi government has simplified bureaucratic processes and reduced red tape in space research, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined approach. The recent approval of the Indian Space Policy 2023 further emphasizes ISRO’s focus on research and development and encourages greater participation from the private sector.