India’s successful feat of making its recent imprint on the moon is helmed highly. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. The Chandrayaan-3 moon rover has successfully begun exploring the lunar south pole. This has marked a significant scientific accomplishment. With a budget of about 75 million dollars, this was India’s second attempt at exploring the moon. The ISRO has finally achieved its goal, however, what will Chandrayaan-3 ‘Pragyan Rover’ do once the sun sets on the moon’s south pole?
In the perpetually shaded regions of the moon’s south pole, temperatures can plummet to an astonishing minus 203 degrees Celsius due to the absence of sunlight for billions of years. In this context, it’s interesting to consider the activities of the Pragyan rover on the lunar surface.
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Chandrayaan-3’s success came just days after Russia’s fail
On 23rd August 2023, India’s Lunar Mission- Chandrayaan-3 left an indelible imprint in the world of science after the successful landing of Vikram Lander on the south pole of the moon. This magnificent success came days after Russia’s fail of the moon mission.
Chandrayaan-3 rover seen coming down the lander ramp on the moon’s surface
Moments after the Vikram Lander touched down on the moon, the Chandrayaan-3 rover named Pragyan rolled out of the lander ramp on the moon’s surface. With this walk, it left India with a feeling of huge pride. India’s national emblem and ISRO’s logo were imprinted by the rover on the moon’s surface.
First photo of Rover coming out of the lander on the ramp. pic.twitter.com/0ouhMk8MbR
— Pawan K Goenka (@GoenkaPk) August 23, 2023
Pragyan Rover’s purpose and current activities on the moon
Engaged in its lunar mission, the Pragyan rover is tasked with scrutinizing the mineral makeup of the moon’s exterior. Its mission also involves examining the presence and ratios of some valuable elements. It includes – Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, and Titanium within the lunar soil and rocks encircling the landing area.
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Pragyan Rover transmitting data to Vikram Lander and then on Earth
While navigating the lunar terrain, Pragyaan will maintain its connection with the Vikram lander, relaying the collected data to it. Subsequently, Vikram will take on the responsibility of transmitting this vital information back to Earth. On our planet, the ISRO scientists eagerly will delve into the data in order to unveil the mysterious secrets concealed within the lunar landscape.
Pragyan: Can I go for a Moonwalk?
Vikram: Yes, you can go but keep in touch!
Pragyan: Yaaaaahoooooooooo…!🤗#Chandrayaan3 #ISRO pic.twitter.com/KWLii6pPmB
— LVM3-M4/CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION (@chandrayaan_3) August 26, 2023
What will happen to Pragyan Rover once the sun sets on the moon’s south pole
On the lunar surface, a single day spans an equivalent of 14 Earth days, similar to the night. As the sun sets on the moon’s surface, temperatures plummet to minus 180 degrees Celsius or even lower. Consequently, approximately 14 Earth days following August 23, 2023, the operational capabilities of Pragyan and Vikram are anticipated to pause.
Nevertheless, ISRO’s experts hold optimism that as the sun reemerges after 28 days, a potential resurgence in Pragyan and Vikram’s functionalities might take place. This accomplishment will further boost India’s global space reputation.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission update:
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.
ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the… pic.twitter.com/WU4nDlgCfN
— LVM3-M4/CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION (@chandrayaan_3) August 27, 2023
Pragyan Rover and Vikram Lander’s status about returning to Earth
The simple answer to this is that it will not happen. After the successful expedition of Pragyan Rover and Vikram Lander, they both will continue staying on the moon, permanently. They will not make a return on the Earth’s surface.
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The huge success of Chandrayaan-3 has invoked a national pride like no other. What are your thoughts on this feat? Do share your thoughts via the comment below.
Also read: 6 Upcoming ISRO Missions: Their Objectives And Costs, After Chandrayaan 3
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