NEW DELHI (AP) — An unmanned spacecraft India launched last month has begun orbiting the moon before it lands on the far side to search for water.

The Indian Space Research Organization said Tuesday it has maneuvered Chandrayaan, the Sanskrit word for "moon craft," into lunar orbit.

Chandrayaan will continue circling the moon in a tighter orbit until reaching a distance of about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the moon's surface.

The lander will then separate from the orbiter and use rocket fuel to brake as it attempts to land in the south polar region of the moon on Sept. 7.

A rover will search for water deposits that were confirmed by a previous Indian moon mission.

Scientists say the water deposits could make the moon a good refueling station for further space travel.