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 Wednesday.
“The probable impact point was predicted over the
North Pacific Ocean. The final ground track did not pass over India,” said the
Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO.
This rocket body was part of the LVM-3 M4 launch
vehicle, it said. It re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere around 14:42 IST.
The re-entry of the rocket body took place within 124
days of its launch. The post-mission orbital lifetime of the LVM3 M4 cryogenic
upper stage is, thus, fully compliant with the “25-year rule” for low-Earth
orbit objects as recommended by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination
Committee (IADC).
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.
“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.
PTI
