Chandrayaan 3: India’s Pragyaan Rover Achieves Historic Lunar Walk near South Pole

India’s Chandrayaan 3 mission has etched its name in history by successfully landing near the Moon’s south pole. This significant achievement places India alongside the US, Soviet Union, and China as one of the elite countries to achieve a soft lunar landing. The mission’s rover, named Pragyaan, has taken its first steps on the lunar surface, marking a monumental moment in space exploration.

The historic moment was greeted with celebrations across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “India is now on the Moon” and that “we have reached where no other country could”.

Chandrayaan 3 Lunar Descent:

After the Vikram lander’s planned touchdown on the Moon’s surface, the excitement continued as India’s space agency, ISRO, revealed an image of the landing site. The rover Pragyaan embarked on its lunar journey, “ramping down” from the lander and stepping onto the Moon’s terrain.

Rover’s Mission and Instruments:

Weighing 26kg, Pragyaan is equipped with two scientific instruments designed to analyze the lunar surface. Its primary objectives include identifying minerals present on the Moon and studying the chemical composition of the soil. The rover will communicate solely with the lander, which will relay information to the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

Scientific Discoveries and Water Hunt:

As Pragyaan roams the Moon’s landscape, it will gather crucial data and images. That holds the potential to unveil important lunar secrets. One of the mission’s main goals is to search for water, with scientists aiming to locate ice within the Moon’s south pole craters. The discovery of water on the Moon could have far-reaching implications, from supporting future human habitation to serving as a propellant for missions to distant celestial bodies like Mars. It will also carry out experiments to study lunar quakes, mineral compositions, and the electrons and ions near the surface of the Moon.

Challenges and Illuminating Lunar Days:

The timing of the landing is crucial, coinciding with the start of a lunar day. During this period, the lander and rover will bask in 14 days of sunlight, enabling them to charge their batteries. However, the lunar night will pose challenges as the temperature drops drastically, potentially causing the equipment to cease functioning. It remains to be seen if they will resume operations during the subsequent lunar day.

Global Lunar Interest:

India’s accomplishment adds to the growing global fascination with the Moon. With various countries and organizations planning missions to explore its mysteries. The Moon continues to be a gateway to deep space. As India’s Chandrayaan-3 showcases the nation’s prowess in space exploration, it opens the door to further discoveries and collaborations in the realm of lunar exploration.