INDIA: In an impressive leap for India’s space ambitions, Chandrayaan-3’s rover ‘Pragyan’ has triumphantly disembarked from the Vikram lander, commencing its much-awaited journey across the lunar landscape.
Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), confirmed that the historic event unfolded around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The rover, now in motion, is actively exploring the Moon’s surface and is making its indelible mark as it roves.
The distinctive wheels of the Pragyan rover bear an emblematic engraving, featuring the logo of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the national emblem of India.
As the rover navigates the lunar expanse, these engravings are destined to become a testament to India’s technological prowess and ambitious lunar mission.
Excitement is palpable as both the rover’s and the lander’s solar panels have been effectively deployed, paving the way for the next phase of the mission. The rover is slated to engage in the collection of lunar samples, the execution of intricate experiments, and the transmission of invaluable data back to its home base, the lander.
Subsequently, the lander will relay this precious information to the Mission Operations Complex at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) facility situated in Bengaluru.
While questions lingered about the lander’s precise touchdown site, Dr. Unnikrishnan asserted that, according to present data, all operational procedures have adhered to meticulously laid plans.
He acknowledged, however, that a comprehensive post-flight assessment is necessary to glean further insights into the mission’s execution.
A beacon of India’s technological advancement, the Chandrayaan-3 mission is valued at Rs 600 crore.
Comprising a propulsion module weighing 2,148 kg, a 1,723.89 kg lander, and a nimble 26 kg rover, this mission showcases India’s steadfast commitment to space exploration.
Pragyan, the rover, is equipped with cutting-edge scientific instruments including an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS), designed to meticulously analyze the elemental composition of its surroundings.
The lander, equally integral to the mission’s success, shoulders its responsibilities with aplomb. Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will assess thermal conductivity and temperature dynamics, while the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) quantifies seismic activity.
A Langmuir Probe (LP) will scrutinize plasma density variations, and a passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA will facilitate lunar laser ranging studies.
The mission’s clock ticks to the rhythm of the lunar day, lasting 14 Earth days, as both the lander and rover continue their pioneering endeavors.
Within the propulsion module rests a Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. Its mandate is to scrutinize Earth’s spectral and polarimetric attributes from the vantage point of the Moon’s orbit.
Following its ejection from the lander, this payload is expected to operate for a period ranging from three to six months.
Chandrayaan-3’s arrival on the Moon’s South Pole heralds a significant advancement in our understanding of lunar mysteries and the discovery of scientific truths that will benefit all of humanity. As Pragyan roves and explores, leaving its imprints on the lunar terrain, India takes confident strides into the future of space exploration.
Also Read: Moon’s Southern Frontier Conquered: India’s Chandrayaan-3 Makes Historic Landing
