In an astounding feat of precision and engineering, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved yet another milestone in lunar exploration. The Vikram Lander, part of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, successfully soft-landed on the Moon for the second time. This remarkable accomplishment has captured the world’s attention and marked India’s continued prowess in space exploration.
A Second Landing Success
ISRO orchestrated a daring maneuver, commanding the Vikram Lander to adjust its position and touch down safely on the lunar surface once more. The lander’s engines roared to life, elevating it by approximately 40 centimeters before gently touching down at a distance of 30 to 40 centimeters from its initial landing site. ISRO shared this incredible achievement on their social media platform, X, stating, “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Vikram soft-landed on the Moon, again!”
Exceeding Mission Objectives
Vikram Lander not only met but exceeded its mission objectives during this second landing. It performed a successful hop experiment, demonstrating its remarkable capabilities. Following ISRO’s precise commands, the lander fired its engines, executed a precise ascent, and gracefully descended for the second time.
ISRO also delighted space enthusiasts by sharing a video of this incredible maneuver, captured by the Vikram Lander’s camera. The footage vividly illustrates the lander’s ascent and its subsequent soft landing, showcasing the agency’s expertise in lunar exploration.
Healthy Systems and Reconfigured Experiments
ISRO reported that all systems of the Vikram Lander performed nominally and remained healthy throughout the mission. The lander’s instruments, including the Deployed Ramp, Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), and Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), were successfully folded back and redeployed after the experiment.
As the lunar night approaches the ‘Shiv Shakti’ Point, ISRO has activated the sleep mode for the Pragyan Rover and plans to enable hibernation for the Vikram lander. This strategic move is aimed at preserving energy and functionality during the frigid lunar night, where temperatures can plummet to as low as -200 degrees Celsius.
What Lies Ahead for Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover?
Chandrayaan 3 has already accomplished its primary mission objectives, but the journey doesn’t end here. ISRO scientists are optimistic that both the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover could potentially recharge and continue their exploration. However, they must endure the harsh lunar conditions, including extreme cold.
According to NASA’s Moon Tracker, the lunar sunset began on September 4 at the location of Chandrayaan-3’s lander, the Shiv Shakti Point, and is expected to last until September 6, with the subsequent lunar sunrise anticipated on September 20. It’s worth noting that the sunrise may occur slightly later at the South Pole, potentially on September 22.
ISRO remains hopeful for the successful reawakening of these remarkable lunar explorers. If not, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover will serve as enduring representatives of India on the lunar surface, reminding us of humanity’s indomitable spirit of exploration and discovery.
This extraordinary achievement by ISRO showcases India’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and marks a significant moment in the history of lunar missions. As we await further updates, the world eagerly watches to see what lies ahead for Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover on the Moon’s enigmatic surface.
