The Indian Space Agency released a video today, showcasing the moon as captured by the "Chandrayaan-3" spacecraft while approaching its south pole, a previously unexplored area believed to contain water ice. Russia is also trying to land there first. The footage, taken live yesterday after the landing module separated from the propulsion unit, features close-up shots of the natural satellite's craters.
The Indian Space Research Organization stated, "The lander successfully performed a deboost operation that reduced its orbit to 113 km x 157 km." The Indian space agency launched the rocket carrying the spacecraft on July 14. The spacecraft is scheduled to attempt landing on the moon on August 23.
As for Russia, it launched its first lunar lander in 47 years on August 11. It is taking a more direct path to reach the moon's south pole, where scientists have discovered water ice that could be used for fuel, oxygen, and drinking water for lunar missions or for establishing a future colony there. The Russian lunar mission aims to land the Luna-25 spacecraft on August 21, two days before the Indian spacecraft.
