The measurements were conducted using an instrument aboard Chandrayaan-3’s rover, Pragyan, marking a significant scientific achievement. According to a statement from ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the pioneering on-site measurements of the moon’s south polar region have substantiated the presence of sulphur on our celestial neighbor. This remarkable revelation further deepens our understanding of the moon’s composition.
Specifically, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, a sophisticated scientific tool on board the Chandrayaan-3 rover, facilitated these groundbreaking measurements. This innovative technique enabled researchers to definitively detect the presence of sulphur in the lunar region, a revelation that was previously unattainable with the instrumentation carried by the orbiters.
In addition to sulphur, the LIBS analysis also revealed the existence of other elements such as oxygen, calcium, and iron. Furthermore, the search for hydrogen, a key element of interest, is currently in progress, underscoring the ongoing investigation’s significance.
The outcomes of the preliminary analyses have been visually depicted, showcasing the presence of various elements on the moon’s surface.
These elements include Aluminum (Al), Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), and Titanium (Ti). Moreover, the LIBS technique also brought to light the existence of manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O).
LIBS, the scientific method behind these extraordinary findings, involves subjecting materials to powerful laser pulses, which subsequently enables the analysis of their elemental composition. Through this process, scientists can gain invaluable insights into the makeup of the moon’s surface.
It’s noteworthy that Chandrayaan-3’s rover, Pragyan, recently underwent a rerouting procedure after encountering a four-meter crater on the lunar surface. Swift action was taken to ensure the rover’s safety, as the crater was located merely three meters from the edge.
Also
India’s remarkable achievement took place on August 23 when it accomplished the extraordinary feat of achieving a soft landing near the moon’s south pole. By doing so, India joined an exclusive group of nations, including Russia, the United States, and China, that have successfully landed on the lunar surface. This accomplishment was particularly notable as it followed Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft’s unfortunate crash on the moon due to an engine failure.
A fascinating detail of the mission is that both the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover have a mission span of one lunar day, which equates to approximately 14 Earth days. This unique temporal parameter adds to the complexity and excitement of lunar exploration.
In summation
ISRO’s achievement in conducting on-site measurements of the moon’s south polar region through Chandrayaan-3’s LIBS instrument represents a pivotal milestone in space exploration. The confirmation of sulphur’s presence, along with the identification of other elements, significantly contributes to our comprehension of the moon’s intricate composition. This groundbreaking advancement underscores India’s growing prowess in space exploration and scientific discovery.
Know more about Chandrayan-3 mission –
Chandrayaan-3 was proposed as India’s third lunar exploration mission following the success of Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2. The Chandrayaan missions are part of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) efforts to explore the moon’s surface, study its composition, and advance our understanding of lunar science.
Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, made a significant discovery by confirming the presence of water molecules on the moon’s surface. It was equipped with instruments like the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) and the Moon Impact Mapper (M3) to gather data about the moon’s surface and mineral composition.
Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019,
aimed to build upon the successes of its predecessor and included an orbiter, a lander (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan). While the orbiter continues to study the moon from orbit and send back valuable data, the Vikram lander’s attempted soft landing near the moon’s south pole encountered issues during the descent and crash-landed. The Pragyan rover, which was housed within the lander, couldn’t deploy due to the landing failure.
Chandrayaan-3 was proposed as a follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2, with a focus on achieving a successful soft landing on the moon’s surface. It was intended to consist of a lander and a rover, similar to Chandrayaan-2, but with improvements based on the lessons learned from the previous mission.
The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 would have been to demonstrate ISRO’s capability to successfully land a rover on the moon’s surface and operate it effectively. This mission aimed to learn from the challenges faced during the Vikram lander’s landing attempt in Chandrayaan-2 and to increase the chances of a successful landing.
As of my last update, specific details about the Chandrayaan-3 mission, such as its launch date and detailed mission plan, had not been finalized or officially announced. It’s important to check with official ISRO sources or reputable news outlets for the most current information on the Chandrayaan-3 mission beyond September 2021.
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