TRANSLUNAR INJECTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Sci & Tech)

Context:  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) performed the TransLunar Injection (TLI) to slingshot Chandrayaan-3 towards the moon.

• The TLI was performed successfully from ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.

Key Points

• The Trans Lunar Injection manoeuvre is a vital space travel technique used to launch a spacecraft from Earth's orbit and place it on a track beyond the Moon.
• The TLI is performed when the spacecraft is at a specific point in its orbit known as the ‘perigee’ or the closest point to Earth. 
• By firing its engines at this strategic moment, the spacecraft gains enough speed to break free from Earth's gravitational pull and embark on its journey toward the moon.
• For translunar injection, Chandrayaan's speed should be more than Earth's escape velocity. 
• Earth's escape velocity is 40 thousand 270 kilometers per hour meaning that the Chandrayaan's speed should be more than this. 
• The engine is fired up when the Chandrayaan is at a distance of 236 km from the Earth.