Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module and Moon’s Sphere of Influence

Science & Technology / Space Science

ISRO confirmed that the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module re-entered the Moon’s Sphere of Influence during its high-altitude Earth-bound trajectory, completing two lunar flybys. This marks a significant milestone in tracking spacecraft dynamics during extended missions.

The Moon’s Sphere of Influence is the region where the Moon’s gravitational pull dominates over Earth’s for orbital calculations. Within this zone, it is more accurate to model the spacecraft as orbiting the Moon, with Earth exerting only minor gravitational influence.

MCQ

What happens when a spacecraft enters the Moon’s Sphere of Influence?

1. The Moon’s gravity becomes the dominant force governing its orbital calculations
2. The spacecraft loses all communication with Earth-based stations
3. Earth’s gravity completely ceases to affect the spacecraft
4. The spacecraft automatically enters a stable lunar surface orbit