In early November 2025, the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module unexpectedly slipped back into the Moon’s gravity zone during its Earth-bound orbit. The event occurred as Earth and lunar gravity pulled the drifting spacecraft in new directions, giving ISRO fresh insights into deep-space dynamics.

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• Propulsion Module re-enters Moon’s Sphere of Influence on 4 November 2025.
• Module had been looping Earth since 2023 between 1 lakh km and 3 lakh km.
• Gravity tug from Earth and Moon caused the unexpected return.
• Two flybys: 6 Nov at 12:53 IST (3740 km altitude) and 12 Nov at 04:48 IST (4537 km).
• No close approach with other lunar orbiters during the flybys.
• Orbit expands drastically to 4.09 lakh km × 7.27 lakh km after event.
•  Inclination shifts from 34° to 22°, altering travel path significantly.
• ISRO says satellite performance normal; movement tracked by ISTRAC and IDSN.
•  Event offers insights on disturbance torques, dual-gravity effects, and long-duration flight behaviour.
•  Module expected to exit lunar zone again on 14 November 2025.