In a groundbreaking achievement, India successfully executed the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface at 6:04 AM on August 23rd. The milestone moment has garnered worldwide recognition, with ISRO receiving accolades from NASA and global space enthusiasts. Just two and a half hours later, the Pragyaan Rover emerged from the Vikram Lander onto the South Pole of the Moon, embarking on its mission.
Initial Moments of Lunar Exploration
After Chandrayaan-3’s victorious touchdown, the Pragyaan Rover swiftly got to work. Within its first 6 movements, it initiated image capture, sharing the Moon’s enchanting landscapes. This remarkable achievement positions India as the fourth nation globally to successfully land on a natural satellite.
Imprints of Ashoka Pillar and ISRO Symbol
As the Pragyaan Rover ventures forth, it leaves a unique mark on the lunar soil – an imprint of the Ashoka Pillar alongside ISRO’s emblem. The symbols are inscribed on the wheels of the rover, commemorating India’s achievements in space exploration.
Continuing Lunar Missions and Parikrama Endeavors
Chandrayaan-2 welcomed the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter actively surveying the Moon’s mysteries for the past four years. Presently, two Indian space missions are concurrently conducting lunar explorations – the lander and rover of Chandrayaan-3 and the continuing Chandrayaan-2 orbiter mission.
Learning from Chandrayaan-2’s Journey
ISRO’s Chairman, S. Somnath, highlighted that Chandrayaan-3’s success followed learnings from Chandrayaan-2. The pivotal next 14 days are expected to yield valuable insights as the Pragyaan Rover delves into lunar conditions, adding to the queue of upcoming space missions.
Chandrayaan-3’s Exploration Agenda
Chandrayaan-3’s mission scope encompasses a detailed analysis of the Moon’s surface and environment. It aims to identify lunar chemicals and compounds while studying the topography and thermal properties. Elements like aluminum, silicon, magnesium, calcium, and titanium will be among those examined, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s cosmic neighbour.
