The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released new images of the moons surface captured by the Imager Camera 4 aboard the Vikram Lander on Tuesday, ahead of the Chandrayaan-3 moon missions scheduled landing tomorrow.The space agency shared these new images on ISROs official X account, providing a glimpse of the lunar terrain.ISRO had earlier confirmed that the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission is progressing as planned, with routine checks being conducted on the systems.“Smooth sailing is continuing. The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) is buzzed with energy & excitement!” ISRO tweeted on its official handle.…. and The moon as captured by theLander Imager Camera 4on August 20, 2023.#Chandrayaan_3 #Ch3 pic.twitter.com/yPejjLdOSS— ISRO (@isro) August 22, 2023The moon images were taken by the lander position detection camera (LPDC) from an altitude of approximately 70 kilometres on August 19. ISRO explained that these LPDC images play a vital role in assisting the Lander Module to accurately determine its position by comparing the images with an onboard moon reference map.“LPDC images assist the Lander Module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map,” the space agency wrote on X.Chandrayaan-3 Mission:Here are the images of Lunar far side area captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). This camera that assists in locating a safe landing area — without boulders or deep trenches — during the descent is developed by ISRO… pic.twitter.com/rwWhrNFhHB— ISRO (@isro) August 21, 2023Welcome buddy: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter connects with new mission landerThe upcoming critical phase of the mission, the soft landing of the Vikram lander on the south pole of the Moon, is scheduled for Wednesday. Experts emphasise that the final 20 minutes leading to the soft landing are of utmost importance. ISROs mission scientists will be programming the landing procedures a day ahead.Last Thursday, the Vikram lander successfully disengaged from the propulsion module, subsequently executing essential deboosting manoeuvrers to descend to a slightly lower orbit.On Monday, the Chandrayaan-3 lander module managed to establish communication with Chandrayaan-2s orbiter. In an X post, ISRO celebrated the successful connection and the establishment of two-way communication between the modules. This achievement expands the communication pathways for the Lunar Module (LM).“Welcome, buddy! Ch-2 orbiter formally welcomed Ch-3 LM. Two-way communication between the two is established. MOX has now more routes to reach the LM,” ISRO tweeted.Chandrayaan-3 Mission:Welcome, buddy!Ch-2 orbiter formally welcomed Ch-3 LM.Two-way communication between the two is established. MOX has now more routes to reach the LM. Update: Live telecast of Landing event begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST.#Chandrayaan_3 #Ch3— ISRO (@isro) August 21, 2023The launch of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was facilitated by the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle. The spacecraft has undergone a series of precise orbital manoeuvrers to bring it closer to the lunar surface.The Chandrayaan-3 mission holds the promise of making India the fourth nation, following the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve a successful soft landing on the moons surface.
