NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recently captured a stunning image of the historic landing site of Chandrayaan-3, the mission undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Chandrayaan-3, comprising the lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, has wasted no time in conducting scientific experiments on the lunar surface. Recent analyses of the landing site's regolith have unveiled the presence of sulfur, manganese, silicon, and oxygen, providing crucial insights into the lunar chemistry.
Additionally, Vikram executed an impressive "hop" test, while Pragyan diligently explored its immediate surroundings.
One of the most significant revelations came from the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon. ILSA appears to have detected a seismic event, sparking intense curiosity among scientists eager to unravel the moon's internal structure.
Currently, both the lander and rover are in a temporary "sleep" mode due to the lunar night, which lasts approximately 14 days. As solar-powered missions, Vikram and Pragyan await the return of sunlight to recharge their batteries and resume their exploration activities on September 22.
The exciting development promises to deepen our understanding of the enigmatic lunar south pole and bring humankind closer to solving the mysteries of Earth's satellite.