ISRO’s second orbit-raising manoeuvre successful

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Space technology

Concept :

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has now moved into a new, higher orbit around the Earth after the successful completion of the second orbit-raising manoeuvre, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The manoeuvre was performed by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru to place the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft in the 41,603 km x 226 km orbit.
This means that Chandrayaa-3 is now in an orbit, which when closest to Earth is 226 km away and farthest is at a distance of 41,603 km.
Hoping to make a soft landing on the moon’s surface next month, Chandrayaan-3 is now going around the Earth in an elliptical orbit that is 41,603 km at its furthest and 226 km at the closest from the Earth’s surface, ISRO said in an official statement.
The spacecraft is supposed to make five such orbit-raising manoeuvres to continuously move into higher orbits before beginning to move directly towards the moon.

ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), over the years, has established a comprehensive global network of ground stations to provide Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) support to satellite and launch vehicle missions.
These facilities are grouped under ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network

What is the role of ISTRAC?

ISTRAC is responsible for providing Space Operation services that include spacecraft control, TTC support services and other related projects and services, for the launch vehicle and low earth orbiting spacecraft and deep space missions of ISRO and other space agencies around the world.
Development of RADAR systems for tracking & atmospheric applications and Establishment of Ground Segment Network for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System of ISRO are the additional responsibilities of ISTRAC.
ISTRAC will communicate with the spacecraft, correct its course and command it throughout the life of the spacecraft.