Chandrayaan steady as Russia exits moon race

India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander has successfully completed its second and final adjustment and is now in a smaller orbit, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The lander is set to touchdown on the moon’s surface at 6:04 pm on 23 August. If successful, it will be the first mission to reach the south polar region of the moon. The mission’s objectives include demonstrating a safe landing, rover abilities, and conducting scientific experiments. A successful landing will make India the fourth country to land on the moon, after the US, Soviet Union, and China.