Sriharikota: The cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 launch vehicle, which successfully injected the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into the intended orbit on July 14 this year, made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere on November 15, the ISRO said.
The uncontrollable re-entry happened around 2.42 PM on November 15 probable impact point was predicted over the North Pacific Ocean. The ground track did not pass over India. This rocket body was part of the vehicle that successfully injected the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into the intended orbit of 133kmx35823Km with a 21.30 inclination on July 14”, ISRO said.
Post Chandrayaan-3 injection, the upper stage had also undergone “passivation” to remove all residual propellant and energy sources to minimise the risks of accidental explosions as per the space debris mitigation guidelines prescribed by the United Nations and IADC, it was stated.
” Passivation and post-mission disposal of this rocket body in adherence to the internationally accepted guidelines once again reaffirms India’s commitment to preserve the long-term sustainability of outer space activities,” the ISRO added.