ISRO deftly maneuvered to avoid a collision with space debris

Chandrayaan-3 mission narrowly escaped a potential catastrophe

ISRO delayed launch by a mere 4 seconds to avoid a disaster

India’s prestigious Chandrayaan-3 mission narrowly escaped a potential catastrophe as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) deftly maneuvered to avoid a collision with space debris.

The mission, a critical component of India’s lunar exploration program, faced peril just moments before its scheduled launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in July 2023.

ISRO’s vigilant monitoring systems detected a looming threat: a piece of space debris hurtling towards Chandrayaan-3’s intended path. Swift action was imperative. With meticulous precision and proactive space management, ISRO’s mission control team delayed the launch by a mere four seconds.

Also read: Chandrayaan3: Sacrifices mark success of Moon Mission

In those crucial moments, ISRO recalibrated Chandrayaan-3’s trajectory, ensuring it steered clear of the debris’ deadly path. The decision, grounded in Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA), exemplified ISRO’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.

This incident underscores the pervasive challenge of space debris and highlights ISRO’s adeptness in navigating such hazards. Through its Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023, ISRO showcased its mastery in employing advanced technologies and strategic planning to safeguard space assets.

The successful mission launch and subsequent trajectory adjustment not only preserved Chandrayaan-3 but also affirmed ISRO’s prowess in space exploration. While ISRO conducted 23 collision avoidance maneuvers to safeguard various satellites, Chandrayaan-3 and other high-profile missions like Aditya-L1 proceeded without incident once in space.

ISRO’s swift action and precise navigation averted a potential disaster, ensuring Chandrayaan-3’s continued journey towards the Moon’s surface, marking another triumph for India’s burgeoning space program.