Part of Chandrayaan-3 launcher makes uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere: ISRO
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Wednesday said the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 launch vehicle, which successfully injected the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into the intended orbit on July 14 this year, made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere at around 14:42 IST today. "The probable impact point was predicted over the North Pacific Ocean.
The final ground track did not pass over India," ISRO said in a statement. The re-entry of the rocket body NORAD id 57321 took place within 124 days of its launch.
The post-mission orbital lifetime of the LVM3 M4 cryogenic upper stage is, thus, fully compliant with the "25-year rule" for low-Earth orbit objects as recommended by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the ISRO statement read. Post Chandrayaan-3 injection, the upper stage had also undergone "passivation" to remove all residual propellant and energy sources to minimise the risks of accidental explosions as per the space debris mitigation guidelines prescribed by the United Nations and IADC, it was stated.
"Passivation and post-mission disposal of this rocket body in adherence to the internationally accepted guidelines once again reaffirms India's commitment to preserve the long-term sustainability of outer space activities," the ISRO added. Separately, the Indian space organization today invited innovative ideas and designs of robotic rovers from youth for future missions.
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