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Chandrayaan-1 Successfully Reaches 100km Lunar Orbit

Posted by timothy on from the what-hath-man-wrought dept.

Matt_dk writes "Today, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft has successfully reached its intended operational orbit at a height of about 100 km from the lunar surface. This followed a series of three orbit reduction manoeuvres conducted during the past three days by repeatedly firing the spacecraft's 440 Newton Liquid Engine. The next major event of Chandrayaan-1 mission planned in the coming days is the release of Moon Impact Probe (MIP) from the spacecraft and its eventual hitting of the moon's surface."

5 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Global cooperation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    So when America returns to the moon, they can look forward to a variety of tasty lunar takeout joints already established by the Indians and Chinese. The resulting outbreaks of explosive diarrhea can be put to good use in terraforming the moon.

  2. new plot by ad0n · · Score: 5, Funny

    can't wait for the bollywood industry to set their hindi love films in space.. (cue dancers)

  3. Re:Is that an I J or K motor? by OSDever · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I imagine that's sustained Newtons for the duration of the fuel. So yeah, it's technically a liquid powered engine with the thrust capabilities of an I, but with significantly more fuel. An I engine should be plenty enough for maneuvering a small spacecraft in space.

    --
    The above comments are the opinions of a non-qualified amateur rocketry fan. Please take with ~ 2.7 ounces of salt.

    --
    What is the airspeed of a fully laden swallow?
  4. Indian Flag on moon by iammani · · Score: 5, Informative
    Some interesting facts about this attempt:

    India will drop its flag on the moon to establish its presence, Nair said in an interview. This will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and Japan to have its flag on the moon.

    Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India_will_plant_flag_on_the_moon_ISRO_chief/articleshow/3620255.cms

    With today's (on 8th Nov) successful manoeuvre, India becomes the fifth country to send a spacecraft to Moon. The other countries, which have sent spacecraft to Moon, are the United States, former Soviet Union, Japan and China. Besides, the European Space Agency (ESA), a consortium of 17 countries, has also sent a spacecraft to moon.

    Source: http://www.hindu.com/nic/0061/release11.htm

  5. Re:Correct pronunciation? by bigfatdeal · · Score: 5, Informative

    Ch as in cheddar
    andra as in tundra (except 'r' pronounced like the spanish 'r')
    yaan - the long vowel is pronounced like the 'a' in bar (or, even better, like the scandinavian first name "jan")

    The stress is on the last syllable - chandrayAn