Chandrayaan-3: Lunar Night Nears ‘Shiv Shakti’ Point. What Will Happen Next?

Introduction: Chandrayaan-3 

Chandrayaan-3, the pioneering mission to achieve a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, is now on the brink of conclusion as the lunar night approaches. In this article, we will delve into the mission’s progress, what lies ahead for the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, and the remarkable achievements thus far.

The Lunar Night and Its Implications

As the lunar night descends upon the mission site at the ‘Shiv Shakti’ Point, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their assets. The ‘Pragyan’ rover has been securely parked after completing its planned operations, while the Vikram lander, responsible for data transmission, will soon enter sleep mode. However, the question remains: what will happen to these spacecraft during the lunar night?

The Challenges of the Lunar Night

The lunar night poses a unique set of challenges. Temperatures on the Moon’s surface can plummet to a bone-chilling -200 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold can be detrimental to the spacecraft’s electronic components and systems. ISRO scientists are keenly observing the situation, hoping that both the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover will endure the frigid conditions.

Lunar Sunset and Sunrise Schedule

According to NASA’s Moon Tracker, the lunar sunset began on September 4, starting from the location of the lander. This lunar night is expected to persist until September 6. The next lunar sunrise is anticipated for September 20, but this may slightly vary at the south pole, potentially occurring on September 22.

The Hope for Reawakening

ISRO remains hopeful that the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover will successfully awaken after the lunar night. However, the outcome remains uncertain. If they do manage to come back to life, they could continue their scientific endeavors, leaving a lasting mark as India’s lunar ambassadors.

Achievements of Chandrayaan 3 Mission

Before we explore what’s next, let’s take a moment to appreciate the accomplishments of the Chandrayaan-3 mission:

Pragyan Rover’s Journey

1. The Pragyan rover has made significant progress, traversing over 100 meters on the lunar surface. It’s worth noting that the rover’s communication range is limited to 500 meters from the Vikram lander.

Historic Discovery

2. The rover’s Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) instrument made history by confirming the presence of Sulphur (S) in the lunar surface near the south pole. It also detected other elements such as Al, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn, Si, and O.

Pioneering Measurements

3. The Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere – Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload conducted groundbreaking measurements of the lunar plasma environment over the south polar region. This data could revolutionize communication in future lunar missions.

Lunar Seismic Activity

4. The Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) recorded rover movements and an intriguing event on August 26. This event, seemingly of natural origin, is under investigation.

Temperature Insights

5. The ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) instrument provided valuable temperature profiles of the lunar topsoil. This data is crucial for understanding the moon’s thermal behavior.

Sulphur Mystery

6. Another instrument onboard the rover, the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectroscope (APXS), confirmed the presence of Sulphur (S) using a different technique, prompting new theories about its source.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as Chandrayaan-3’s lunar night approaches, the mission stands at a critical juncture. The hope is that the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover will brave the harsh lunar conditions and awaken to continue their scientific exploration. Regardless of the outcome, Chandrayaan-3 has already made significant contributions to our understanding of the Moon, leaving a lasting legacy in lunar exploration.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Chandrayaan-3’s mission near the Moon’s south pole?The significance of Chandrayaan-3’s mission near the Moon’s south pole lies in its unique location. This region has not been extensively explored before, and it holds valuable scientific insights. It offers the opportunity to study lunar resources, such as water ice, which could be crucial for future lunar missions and even potential human colonization. Additionally, the south pole region can help us understand the Moon’s geological history and its connection to Earth’s history.
2. How do lunar nights and days differ from Earth’s?Lunar nights and days differ significantly from Earth’s. A lunar day, also known as a “lunation,” lasts approximately 29.5 Earth days. During a lunar day, the Moon experiences intense heat from the sun, with temperatures soaring to around 127 degrees Celsius (260 degrees Fahrenheit). In contrast, lunar nights are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -200 degrees Celsius (-328 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the lack of atmosphere to trap heat. These extreme temperature variations pose unique challenges for lunar missions.
3. What are the key findings of the Pragyan rover’s experiments?The Pragyan rover has made several key findings during its mission near the Moon’s south pole. It confirmed the presence of Sulphur (S) in the lunar surface, marking a historic in-situ measurement. Additionally, it detected elements such as Al, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn, Si, and O. These findings provide valuable insights into the Moon’s composition and its geological history, shedding light on its formation and evolution.
4. How does the Chandrayaan-3 mission impact future lunar exploration?The Chandrayaan-3 mission has a profound impact on future lunar exploration. It demonstrates India’s capability to conduct successful lunar missions, paving the way for more ambitious endeavors. The data collected by Chandrayaan-3, especially regarding the lunar south pole, can inform future missions, including potential human missions to the Moon. The mission’s achievements contribute to the global efforts to expand our understanding of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
5. What challenges do spacecraft face during lunar nights, and how are they addressed?Spacecraft face several challenges during lunar nights, primarily extreme cold temperatures and the absence of sunlight for power generation. To address these challenges, spacecraft like the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover are designed with advanced thermal insulation and heating systems to protect against the cold. They also rely on batteries and power reserves to operate during the night. Additionally, mission planners carefully time operations to make the most of available sunlight. These measures help spacecraft survive the harsh lunar nights and continue their missions when the Sun rises again.