ISRO delayed Chandrayaan 3 launch by 4 seconds to avoid collison with space debris

[Ajay0]

The ISRO delayed Chandrayaan 3 launch by 4 seconds to adjust its trajectory after detecting space debris in its flight path.

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/chandrayaan-3/story/isro-chandrayaan-3-space-debris-collision-satellite-space-vikram-pragyaan-2533016-2024-04-29

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Chandrayaan-3, part of India's ambitious lunar exploration program, was scheduled for launch on July 14, 2023. However, just moments before its planned liftoff, ISRO's meticulous monitoring systems detected a potential risk.

A piece of space debris was identified on a trajectory that could have intersected with Chandrayaan-3’s path during its crucial initial orbital phase. The debris, remnants of previous space missions, posed a significant threat due to the high velocities at which objects travel in space.

Acting swiftly on this detection, Isro's mission control team decided to delay the launch by a mere four seconds.

While seemingly brief, these seconds were pivotal in adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory just enough to avoid a disastrous collision. This decision was based on detailed Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) as part of ISRO's standard Launch Clearance Protocol.

The successful adjustment ensured that Chandrayaan-3 could proceed on its journey to the Moon without the looming threat of collision. This incident not only demonstrate the challenges posed by space debris but also showcases ISRO's capabilities in navigating these challenges.