The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reported that the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 launch vehicle, responsible for placing the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into its designated orbit on July 14, experienced an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday.
According to ISRO’s statement, the probable impact point was predicted over the North Pacific Ocean, and the final ground track did not pass over India. The rocket body, part of the LVM-3 M4 launch vehicle, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 2:42 pm, just 124 days after its launch. ISRO emphasized that the post-mission orbital lifetime of the LVM3 M4 cryogenic upper stage adheres to the “25-year rule” recommended by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) for low-Earth orbit objects.
Following the injection of Chandrayaan-3, the upper stage underwent “passivation” to eliminate all residual propellant and energy sources, minimizing the risks of accidental explosions. This process aligns with the space debris mitigation guidelines set by the United Nations and IADC.
ISRO 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.”
