<p>A fire accident that took place Sunday night at the Pegatron facility near Chennai, which assembles Apple's iPhone 14Plus and 15Plus models, has led to the halting of production. It is the second major incident to hit the plant in two years.</p>

<p>Situated in Mahindra World City in Chengalpattu district, almost 60 kilometres from Chennai, the factory is owned by Taiwan's Pegatron, the second largest contract manufacturer of Apple iPhones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such incidents raise questions about the working conditions, and safety standards at these facilities and whether the requisite government and internal inspections are being carried out meticulously.</p>

<p>The personnel at these factories are involved in manufacturing the most coveted symbol of pocket-sized luxury - Apple iPhones, which are priced at almost $1000 apiece.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last night's fire accident at Pegatron's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Apple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Apple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iPhone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iPhone</a> assembly facility near <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a>, led to halt of assembly of models 14Plus &amp; 15Plus today<br />
<br />
This is 2nd major incident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
Dec 2022: 150+ women workers at Foxconn fell ill, protested poor work&amp; living conditions <a href="https://t.co/WMSwfQYrjt">pic.twitter.com/WMSwfQYrjt</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1706296737680564620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>WION has learnt that the fire at the facility was put out a few hours after the incident was reported.</p>

<p>Videos of the incident showed ambulances and fire tenders on site and smoke billowing from the building that housed the facility. It is unclear how many persons were within the facility or whether production was underway when the incident took place. However, it is said that there is no loss of life as a result of this fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Personnel working at Pegatron told WION that there are more than 9,000 of them involved in iPhone assembly at the Chengalpattu factory&nbsp;near Chennai and that production activity had not been carried out on Monday. At the time of writing, it is unclear whether the personnel resumed work on Tuesday. It is understood that the factory works round-the-clock from Monday to Saturday and they have a holiday on Sundays. The 24-hour workday is split into three shifts- A (6am-2pm), B (2pm-10pm) and C (10pm-6am).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2021, more than 150 women workers at the Foxconn facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-help-make-iphone-but-heres-where-they-stayed-inside-foxconn-chennai-offsite-dorm-room-441487">fallen ill after consuming the meals</a> provided at the staff dormitory. Back then, the women had risen in protest and blocked a crucial national highway. The issue was later taken up by the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, Apple and the Tamil Nadu Government. WION had visited and reported from the dorm rooms where the women workers had stayed.</p>

<p>In December 2021, in light of the issues connected with the Foxconn facility, Apple placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation&nbsp;over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas. Later, after an audit and corrective measures by Foxconn and the intervention of the Tamil Nadu Government, the factory resumed its production activities in January 2022.</p>

<p>Amid geopolitical tensions with China, American tech giants, including Apple have been looking to move more of their assembly facilities to India and southern Indian states have been taking the lead in luring the investors, predominantly Taiwanese contract manufacturers. Apple also pins great hope on the young and aspirational Indian customer who wants to flaunt tech luxury. In line with this, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited India earlier this year and also opened Apple-owned retail outlets in Mumbai and Delhi. Both of these outlets are said to be doing brisk business. WION has sought the response of Apple&nbsp;in connection with the latest fire accident. The report will be updated when the response is received or further developments emerge.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A fire accident that took place Sunday night at the Pegatron facility near Chennai, which assembles Apple's iPhone 14Plus and 15Plus models, has led to the halting of production.

A fire accident that took place Sunday night at the Pegatron facility near Chennai, which assembles Apple's iPhone 14Plus and 15Plus models, has led to the halting of production. It is the second major incident to hit the plant in two years. Situated in Mahindra World City in Chengalpattu district, almost 60 kilometres from Chennai, the factory is owned by Taiwan's Pegatron, the second largest contract manufacturer of Apple iPhones. Such incidents raise questions about the working conditions, and safety standards at these facilities and whether the requisite government and internal inspections are being carried out meticulously. The personnel at these factories are involved in manufacturing the most coveted symbol of pocket-sized luxury - Apple iPhones, which are priced at almost $1000 apiece. Last night's fire accident at Pegatron's #Apple #iPhone assembly facility near #chennai, led to halt of assembly of models 14Plus & 15Plus today This is 2nd major incident in #TamilNadu Dec 2022: 150+ women workers at Foxconn fell ill, protested poor work& living conditions pic.twitter.com/WMSwfQYrjt — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 25, 2023 × WION has learnt that the fire at the facility was put out a few hours after the incident was reported. Videos of the incident showed ambulances and fire tenders on site and smoke billowing from the building that housed the facility. It is unclear how many persons were within the facility or whether production was underway when the incident took place. However, it is said that there is no loss of life as a result of this fire. Personnel working at Pegatron told WION that there are more than 9,000 of them involved in iPhone assembly at the Chengalpattu factory near Chennai and that production activity had not been carried out on Monday. At the time of writing, it is unclear whether the personnel resumed work on Tuesday. It is understood that the factory works round-the-clock from Monday to Saturday and they have a holiday on Sundays. The 24-hour workday is split into three shifts- A (6am-2pm), B (2pm-10pm) and C (10pm-6am). In December 2021, more than 150 women workers at the Foxconn facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu had fallen ill after consuming the meals provided at the staff dormitory. Back then, the women had risen in protest and blocked a crucial national highway. The issue was later taken up by the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, Apple and the Tamil Nadu Government. WION had visited and reported from the dorm rooms where the women workers had stayed. In December 2021, in light of the issues connected with the Foxconn facility, Apple placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas. Later, after an audit and corrective measures by Foxconn and the intervention of the Tamil Nadu Government, the factory resumed its production activities in January 2022. Amid geopolitical tensions with China, American tech giants, including Apple have been looking to move more of their assembly facilities to India and southern Indian states have been taking the lead in luring the investors, predominantly Taiwanese contract manufacturers. Apple also pins great hope on the young and aspirational Indian customer who wants to flaunt tech luxury. In line with this, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited India earlier this year and also opened Apple-owned retail outlets in Mumbai and Delhi. Both of these outlets are said to be doing brisk business. WION has sought the response of Apple in connection with the latest fire accident. The report will be updated when the response is received or further developments emerge. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two major incidents in two years hit Chennai's Apple iPhone assembly facilities

<p>India's Chandrayaan-3 had packed a special element for all countrymen. As the rover&nbsp;traversed&nbsp;the lunar surface, it was expected that its rear wheels would leave the imprint of the Indian National emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath) and the iconic ISRO logo on the talcum powder-like lunar soil. However, the rover's rear wheels have been unable to leave a clear imprint, as planned. Had this happened, a picture of the same would have been the Indian version of the iconic snap of Neil Armstrong's step that has been imprinted for eternity at the Apollo 11 landing site.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-awaits-message-from-moon-memories-arrive-from-mars-9yrs-of-mangalyaan-639134">As India awaits message from Moon, memories arrive from Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>"We at ISRO had been working on lunar rovers since the year 2009, when the Chandrayaan-1 mission was underway. We began with four-wheeled rovers and gradually learnt our lessons, and then moved to a six-wheeled rover for Chandrayaan-2. During the initial phase of testing on a simulated lunar soil test bed, we realized that the rover wheels were sinking when they were commanded to turn by using a technique known as skid driving. During skid driving, the rover wheels on one side are rotated slowly and the wheels on the other side are rotated fast. While doing this, the rover turns towards the direction of the slower wheels. Therefore, we ensured that the treads on the wheels were modified to prevent sinking," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai told WION. Until 2018, he had served as the Director of ISRO's satellite building facility, UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He specifically recalls that the lunar soil test bed&nbsp;created by ISRO was modelled after the Apollo 11 landing site, which was the equatorial region of the moon. The Apollo series of NASA missions showed that the equatorial region had a talcum powder-like soft soil. Therefore, ISRO had also chosen to test their rover on soil from Earth that offered similar characteristics.</p>

<p>"Even around 2012-13, when we were testing the Chandrayaan-2 rover (which is the same as the Chandrayaan-3 rover), we used to get the wheel imprints (national emblem and ISRO logo) on the soil," he adds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-extends-wait-giving-pragyaan-rover-vikram-lander-14-more-days-to-awaken-on-lunar-surface-639033">India: ISRO extends wait, giving Pragyaan rover, Vikram lander 14 more days to awaken on lunar surface</a></strong></p>

<p>Listing out some of the likely factors behind a clear imprint not being obtained, he says that the nature of the soil near the Chandrayaan-3 landing site could be different. "Just like there is sandy, clayey and other varieties of soil on earth, the same could be possible on different lunar regions," he explains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO's 6-wheeled rover Pragyan weighs 26 kg on Earth. However, given that the lunar gravity is just 1/6th that of the Earth's, Pragyan would weigh less than 4.5 kg&nbsp;on the moon. When WION queried if the low lunar mass of the rover could have prevented the clear imprints from appearing, Dr&nbsp;Annadurai said that the rover (when tested on Earth in simulated lunar gravity conditions using a helium balloon) had left behind imprints on the test bed. Perhaps a heavier rover could leave a better and much more noticeable imprint, he suggests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The nature of lunar soil, how much the rover wheel treads can penetrate into the Lunar soil and even the mass of the rover (heavier the better) are factors that could play a role in successfully leaving imprints on the Lunar soil," he explains.</p>

<p>Maybe, when we check the highest resolution images of the rover's trail and zoom in adequately, we might find a faint trail, the veteran scientist who is popularly known as the Moon Man of India, suggests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about what is being referred to as lumpy soil near the Chandrayaan-3 landing site, he said that it could indicate the presence of a volatile substance&nbsp;like water ice.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's Chandrayaan-3 had packed a special element for all countrymen. As the rover traversed the lunar surface, it was expected that its rear wheels would leave the imprint of the Indian National emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath) and the iconic ISRO logo on the talcum powder-like lunar soil.

India's Chandrayaan-3 had packed a special element for all countrymen. As the rover traversed the lunar surface, it was expected that its rear wheels would leave the imprint of the Indian National emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath) and the iconic ISRO logo on the talcum powder-like lunar soil. However, the rover's rear wheels have been unable to leave a clear imprint, as planned. Had this happened, a picture of the same would have been the Indian version of the iconic snap of Neil Armstrong's step that has been imprinted for eternity at the Apollo 11 landing site. Also read | As India awaits message from Moon, memories arrive from Mars "We at ISRO had been working on lunar rovers since the year 2009, when the Chandrayaan-1 mission was underway. We began with four-wheeled rovers and gradually learnt our lessons, and then moved to a six-wheeled rover for Chandrayaan-2. During the initial phase of testing on a simulated lunar soil test bed, we realized that the rover wheels were sinking when they were commanded to turn by using a technique known as skid driving. During skid driving, the rover wheels on one side are rotated slowly and the wheels on the other side are rotated fast. While doing this, the rover turns towards the direction of the slower wheels. Therefore, we ensured that the treads on the wheels were modified to prevent sinking," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai told WION. Until 2018, he had served as the Director of ISRO's satellite building facility, UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru. He specifically recalls that the lunar soil test bed created by ISRO was modelled after the Apollo 11 landing site, which was the equatorial region of the moon. The Apollo series of NASA missions showed that the equatorial region had a talcum powder-like soft soil. Therefore, ISRO had also chosen to test their rover on soil from Earth that offered similar characteristics. "Even around 2012-13, when we were testing the Chandrayaan-2 rover (which is the same as the Chandrayaan-3 rover), we used to get the wheel imprints (national emblem and ISRO logo) on the soil," he adds. Also read | India: ISRO extends wait, giving Pragyaan rover, Vikram lander 14 more days to awaken on lunar surface Listing out some of the likely factors behind a clear imprint not being obtained, he says that the nature of the soil near the Chandrayaan-3 landing site could be different. "Just like there is sandy, clayey and other varieties of soil on earth, the same could be possible on different lunar regions," he explains. ISRO's 6-wheeled rover Pragyan weighs 26 kg on Earth. However, given that the lunar gravity is just 1/6th that of the Earth's, Pragyan would weigh less than 4.5 kg on the moon. When WION queried if the low lunar mass of the rover could have prevented the clear imprints from appearing, Dr Annadurai said that the rover (when tested on Earth in simulated lunar gravity conditions using a helium balloon) had left behind imprints on the test bed. Perhaps a heavier rover could leave a better and much more noticeable imprint, he suggests. "The nature of lunar soil, how much the rover wheel treads can penetrate into the Lunar soil and even the mass of the rover (heavier the better) are factors that could play a role in successfully leaving imprints on the Lunar soil," he explains. Maybe, when we check the highest resolution images of the rover's trail and zoom in adequately, we might find a faint trail, the veteran scientist who is popularly known as the Moon Man of India, suggests. Queried about what is being referred to as lumpy soil near the Chandrayaan-3 landing site, he said that it could indicate the presence of a volatile substance like water ice. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lunar soil? Low gravity? Why didn't Chandrayaan-3 leave India's imprint on Moon's surface? 

<p>It's been three days since the Indian space agency ISRO kept their metaphorical eyes and ears wide open, awaiting a signal from the re-awakened Chandrayaan-3. However, there has been no telemetry data coming from the Vikram Lander thus far, WION has learned.</p>

<p>Telemetry data is a technical term that refers to the regular status update and health report that a spacecraft sends back to its controllers on Earth. While all is silent on the Moon, memories have arrived from Mars, as September 24th, 2014 is when India's maiden Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan entered Martian orbit and began circling the red planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-extends-wait-giving-pragyaan-rover-vikram-lander-14-more-days-to-awaken-on-lunar-surface-639033">India: ISRO extends wait, giving Pragyaan rover, Vikram lander 14 more days to awaken on lunar surface</a></p>

<p>Launched on November 5th, 2013, on board the PSLV rocket, Mangalyaan continues to be India's furthest foray into space as the craft traveled almost 10 months in space to reach its destination which was 401 million kilometres away.</p>

<p>For context, India's moon missions in the Chandrayaan series traveled a distance of 3.84 lakh kilometres. The craft entered Martian orbit on September 24th, 2014 and served its scientific purpose and mission until September 2022. Designed for a mission life of six months, the craft lived for nine years and provided valuable scientific data about the Red planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-walk-the-talk-jaishankar-on-indias-unwavering-commitment-to-south-south-cooperation-639028">'We walk the talk...': Jaishankar on India's unwavering commitment to South-South cooperation</a></p>

<p>As far as Chandrayaan-3 is concerned, it's been three days since September 22nd, which has been the expected re-awakening date. While the deep space antennae of ISRO and the partner agencies from abroad are peering at the moon to receive any signal emissions from the Vikram lander, there is no progress so far.</p>

<p>ISRO plans to wait out the entire duration of the Lunar Day (which ends in the first week of October), to see if Chandrayaan-3 will have a second lease of life.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mann-ki-baat-105th-edition-g20-doubled-the-joy-of-every-indian-says-indian-pm-modi-639102">Mann Ki Baat 105th Edition: ‘G20 doubled the joy of every Indian,’ says Indian PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mann-ki-baat-105th-edition-g20-doubled-the-joy-of-every-indian-says-indian-pm-modi-639102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>It must be remembered that Chandrayaan-3 has been a complete success and the mission's 14-day (1 Lunar day) planned life ended on a high note after the lander was made to perform a hop test on the moon.</p>
</section>

<p>ISRO knew fully well that surviving the Lunar night(where temperatures could fall to minus 200 degrees Celsius), was very tough and challenging. All lunar missions that are meant to survive the Lunar night are equipped with a Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(a sort of Nuclear battery).</p>

<p>However, Chandrayaan-3 doesn't have such a device that would both power it and keep it warm through the night. This is because India hasn't developed such a technology, so far. The possible re-awakening is nothing more than a bonus or a life extension for the already completed mission.</p>

<p>One might ask why ISRO did not consider insulating the Lunar lander and rover to survive the night, but any such alteration would change the design and drastically increase the payload mass of the spacecraft and pose challenges to the launch mission.</p>

<p>This is because India's LVM3 rocket has a payload-lifting capability of 4 tons to high-earth orbits and payloads have to be within that limit. The Chandrayaan-3 craft(comprising propulsion module, lander, and rover) weighed a little over 3.9 tons, so the payload capacity of the vehicle was utilized almost entirely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports say that the rear wheels of the Pragyan rover were not able to make a clear imprint of the Indian National emblem and the ISRO logo on the Lunar surface, owing to lumpy soil. The imprinting of the logos on the Lunar surface depends on a lot of factors - the type of soil at the site, the mass of the rover, the depth of the impression on the wheel, etc.</p>

<p>It must be remembered that the Pragyan rover weighed only 26kgs and with lunar gravity being 1/6th that of Earth, it would weigh less than 4.5kgs there.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It's been three days since the Indian space agency ISRO kept their metaphorical eyes and ears wide open, awaiting a signal from the re-awakened Chandrayaan-3. However, there has been no telemetry data coming from the Vikram Lander thus far, WION has learned.

It's been three days since the Indian space agency ISRO kept their metaphorical eyes and ears wide open, awaiting a signal from the re-awakened Chandrayaan-3. However, there has been no telemetry data coming from the Vikram Lander thus far, WION has learned. Telemetry data is a technical term that refers to the regular status update and health report that a spacecraft sends back to its controllers on Earth. While all is silent on the Moon, memories have arrived from Mars, as September 24th, 2014 is when India's maiden Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan entered Martian orbit and began circling the red planet. Also Read | India: ISRO extends wait, giving Pragyaan rover, Vikram lander 14 more days to awaken on lunar surface Launched on November 5th, 2013, on board the PSLV rocket, Mangalyaan continues to be India's furthest foray into space as the craft traveled almost 10 months in space to reach its destination which was 401 million kilometres away. For context, India's moon missions in the Chandrayaan series traveled a distance of 3.84 lakh kilometres. The craft entered Martian orbit on September 24th, 2014 and served its scientific purpose and mission until September 2022. Designed for a mission life of six months, the craft lived for nine years and provided valuable scientific data about the Red planet. Also Read | 'We walk the talk...': Jaishankar on India's unwavering commitment to South-South cooperation As far as Chandrayaan-3 is concerned, it's been three days since September 22nd, which has been the expected re-awakening date. While the deep space antennae of ISRO and the partner agencies from abroad are peering at the moon to receive any signal emissions from the Vikram lander, there is no progress so far. ISRO plans to wait out the entire duration of the Lunar Day (which ends in the first week of October), to see if Chandrayaan-3 will have a second lease of life. Watch | Mann Ki Baat 105th Edition: ‘G20 doubled the joy of every Indian,’ says Indian PM Modi × It must be remembered that Chandrayaan-3 has been a complete success and the mission's 14-day (1 Lunar day) planned life ended on a high note after the lander was made to perform a hop test on the moon. ISRO knew fully well that surviving the Lunar night(where temperatures could fall to minus 200 degrees Celsius), was very tough and challenging. All lunar missions that are meant to survive the Lunar night are equipped with a Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(a sort of Nuclear battery). However, Chandrayaan-3 doesn't have such a device that would both power it and keep it warm through the night. This is because India hasn't developed such a technology, so far. The possible re-awakening is nothing more than a bonus or a life extension for the already completed mission. One might ask why ISRO did not consider insulating the Lunar lander and rover to survive the night, but any such alteration would change the design and drastically increase the payload mass of the spacecraft and pose challenges to the launch mission. This is because India's LVM3 rocket has a payload-lifting capability of 4 tons to high-earth orbits and payloads have to be within that limit. The Chandrayaan-3 craft(comprising propulsion module, lander, and rover) weighed a little over 3.9 tons, so the payload capacity of the vehicle was utilized almost entirely. Reports say that the rear wheels of the Pragyan rover were not able to make a clear imprint of the Indian National emblem and the ISRO logo on the Lunar surface, owing to lumpy soil. The imprinting of the logos on the Lunar surface depends on a lot of factors - the type of soil at the site, the mass of the rover, the depth of the impression on the wheel, etc. It must be remembered that the Pragyan rover weighed only 26kgs and with lunar gravity being 1/6th that of Earth, it would weigh less than 4.5kgs there. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

As India awaits message from Moon, memories arrive from Mars

<p>Rs 25 crore or approximately $3.01 million is the amount that awaits the holder of Kerala Onam Bumper lottery ticket 'TE230662'.</p>

<p>By all means, this sum of money is a fortune, yet, almost 48 hours after the announcement of the winning ticket, the winner(s) remain 'faceless'. Interestingly, this winning ticket is said to have been purchased merely 5 days prior to the lottery draw on 20 September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lakhs of people spend Rs 500 (approx $6) to purchase the Kerala Onam Bumper, in the hope of making a windfall by winning one of the top prizes ranging&nbsp;from Rs. 25 crore to Rs. 2 lakh). However, the (literally) million-dollar question is - Who is the real winner and what is his/her background?&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bava agencies, Walayar, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> ,this is the modest store from where an extremely lucky chap from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coimbatore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coimbatore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> purchased a ₹500 Onam bumper lottery and ended up winning ₹25crores!<br />
<br />
Apparently, winning ticket is shared by 4ppl, their identities, info remain secret.. <a href="https://t.co/5nr8Tkq6a0">pic.twitter.com/5nr8Tkq6a0</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1705160591630086456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the official website of Kerala State Lotteries, the winning ticket is distributed from Kerala's Kozhikode district. Among those celebrating the win of ticket 'TE230662' are the people who run Bava Agencies, a lottery shop in Walayar, Palakkad, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Situated by the Kerala-Tamil Nadu national highway, the winning ticket (distributed from Kozhikode) was purchased from this very shop. Those working at the store also confirmed the same to WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the first time (the ticket from our store) has won the first prize. We are very delighted.. We are unsure who it is, they haven't approached us directly to claim it," said Gurusamy from the Bava Agencies outlet at Walayar. The computer display on their store indicates that the person with the winning ticket is someone by the name of Gokulam Nataraj and those working at the store say that the person hails from Annur, Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports also say that the ticket was purchased by a group of four persons from Tamil Nadu and they have already visited Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram and handed over the winning ticket to the concerned authorities, all shrouded in secrecy. It is said that they also requested privacy and didn't want their faces and specific details revealed by the authorities.</p>

<p>So far, it is known that the four winners are Natarajan, Thankaraj, Thankaswami and Swaminathan and they have reportedly opened a joint account to share the prize money amongst themselves. Of the Rs. 25 crore prize money, nearly 50% will be deducted as part of Income tax, lottery agent commission and further cesses and surcharges. Eventually, the winners may be left with approximately Rs. 12.50 crores or $1.5 million each, all for themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why does the winner prefer to maintain secrecy?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In September 2022, Anoop, an auto driver from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram won that year's edition of the Onam bumper lottery. While the win did significantly alter his and his family's fortunes, the arrival of money and the popularity of being a winner of the most popular lottery in India, created huge troubles for him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A week after the win, in a video titled "Bumper adichaal ulla avastha" (Malayalam for 'The plight after having won the bumper lottery prize'), he explained the limitless reach and popularity that the breathless media coverage of this lottery win had brought him. "With every passing day, my plight is deteriorating... I'm unable to step out of home (as people are able to identify me everywhere, even if I'm wearing a mask)... To keep away from the attention, I'm having to move from place to place and shuttle between houses of relatives...People keep coming home asking for help and financial aid... However, I myself haven't yet received the prize money and nobody is willing to believe me," he laments in the video.</p>

<p>Anoop had said that he was a newly-minted millionaire, but wasn't even able to peacefully spend time with his son and take him to a hospital when the little one was unwell. "I'm in such a situation where I can't enter my own house... even my neighbours are angry because crowds are flocking to my place," he had said in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps, understanding the downside of the media attention that comes with the lottery win and remembering the experience of Anoop, the present winner(s) chose to remain hush-hush and requested the authorities to not reveal personal information about them. After all, life is not very easy when you become a millionaire overnight!&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Rs 25 crore or approximately $3.01 million is the amount that awaits the holder of Kerala Onam Bumper lottery ticket 'TE230662'. By all means, this sum of money is a fortune, yet, almost 48 hours after the announcement of the winning ticket, the winner(s) remain 'faceless'.

Rs 25 crore or approximately $3.01 million is the amount that awaits the holder of Kerala Onam Bumper lottery ticket 'TE230662'. By all means, this sum of money is a fortune, yet, almost 48 hours after the announcement of the winning ticket, the winner(s) remain 'faceless'. Interestingly, this winning ticket is said to have been purchased merely 5 days prior to the lottery draw on 20 September. Lakhs of people spend Rs 500 (approx $6) to purchase the Kerala Onam Bumper, in the hope of making a windfall by winning one of the top prizes ranging from Rs. 25 crore to Rs. 2 lakh). However, the (literally) million-dollar question is - Who is the real winner and what is his/her background? Bava agencies, Walayar, #kerala ,this is the modest store from where an extremely lucky chap from #Coimbatore #TamilNadu purchased a ₹500 Onam bumper lottery and ended up winning ₹25crores! Apparently, winning ticket is shared by 4ppl, their identities, info remain secret.. pic.twitter.com/5nr8Tkq6a0 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 22, 2023 × According to the official website of Kerala State Lotteries, the winning ticket is distributed from Kerala's Kozhikode district. Among those celebrating the win of ticket 'TE230662' are the people who run Bava Agencies, a lottery shop in Walayar, Palakkad, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Situated by the Kerala-Tamil Nadu national highway, the winning ticket (distributed from Kozhikode) was purchased from this very shop. Those working at the store also confirmed the same to WION. "For the first time (the ticket from our store) has won the first prize. We are very delighted.. We are unsure who it is, they haven't approached us directly to claim it," said Gurusamy from the Bava Agencies outlet at Walayar. The computer display on their store indicates that the person with the winning ticket is someone by the name of Gokulam Nataraj and those working at the store say that the person hails from Annur, Tamil Nadu. Reports also say that the ticket was purchased by a group of four persons from Tamil Nadu and they have already visited Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram and handed over the winning ticket to the concerned authorities, all shrouded in secrecy. It is said that they also requested privacy and didn't want their faces and specific details revealed by the authorities. So far, it is known that the four winners are Natarajan, Thankaraj, Thankaswami and Swaminathan and they have reportedly opened a joint account to share the prize money amongst themselves. Of the Rs. 25 crore prize money, nearly 50% will be deducted as part of Income tax, lottery agent commission and further cesses and surcharges. Eventually, the winners may be left with approximately Rs. 12.50 crores or $1.5 million each, all for themselves. Why does the winner prefer to maintain secrecy? In September 2022, Anoop, an auto driver from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram won that year's edition of the Onam bumper lottery. While the win did significantly alter his and his family's fortunes, the arrival of money and the popularity of being a winner of the most popular lottery in India, created huge troubles for him. A week after the win, in a video titled "Bumper adichaal ulla avastha" (Malayalam for 'The plight after having won the bumper lottery prize'), he explained the limitless reach and popularity that the breathless media coverage of this lottery win had brought him. "With every passing day, my plight is deteriorating... I'm unable to step out of home (as people are able to identify me everywhere, even if I'm wearing a mask)... To keep away from the attention, I'm having to move from place to place and shuttle between houses of relatives...People keep coming home asking for help and financial aid... However, I myself haven't yet received the prize money and nobody is willing to believe me," he laments in the video. Anoop had said that he was a newly-minted millionaire, but wasn't even able to peacefully spend time with his son and take him to a hospital when the little one was unwell. "I'm in such a situation where I can't enter my own house... even my neighbours are angry because crowds are flocking to my place," he had said in the video. Perhaps, understanding the downside of the media attention that comes with the lottery win and remembering the experience of Anoop, the present winner(s) chose to remain hush-hush and requested the authorities to not reveal personal information about them. After all, life is not very easy when you become a millionaire overnight! WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Two days after $3.01 million Kerala Onam bumper lottery draw, winner remains 'faceless'

<p>After a 14-Earth-day long period of darkness and brutal cold (temperatures around minus 200 degrees Celsius), the Sun has risen over the Lunar south pole, near where India's Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have remained in sleep mode since September 2. After performing a lunar soft landing on August 23, the solar-powered Chandrayaan-3 mission had completed all its planned science missions within a fortnight and signed off on a high by performing a surprise hop test at the final stage of the mission. All eyes are on the Indian space agency ISRO, as they expect to hear from Chandrayaan-3 by around September 22nd, Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION has learnt that the Sun has risen over the Shiv Shakti Point (which is the name that India has assigned to the Chandrayaan-3 landing site). However, the sunrise is not the real deal. The Sun must be at a certain angle, such that the solar panels of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander and Pragyan rover are able to receive sunlight and can&nbsp;harness the power of the Sun&nbsp;to warm up, charge their batteries and receive signals from Earth and then attempt a re-awakening.</p>

<p>"The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023.&nbsp;The receiver is kept on.&nbsp;Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Otherwise, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO said on September 2.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>The parameters that determine the re-awakening&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p>During the lunar day, temperatures are around 130 degrees Celsius (more than twice as hot as the hottest temperature recorded on Earth). By living and working throughout its planned operational life, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover demonstrated their total ability to function during the lunar day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the lunar night approached, ISRO fully charged the batteries of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan rovers and put them into sleep or hibernation mode. This is similar to what certain mammals (bears and rodents) do on Earth&nbsp;in preparation for the harsh and brutal winters when temperatures are freezing and food is scarce. They gorge on as much food as they can, slow down their metabolic activity and go into a dormant state for weeks or months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Depending purely on solar power for its functioning, Chandrayaan-3 was put into hibernation mode, considering that there would be no sunlight (power) during the lunar night. For context, Russia's Luna-25 (which crash landed days before Chandrayaan-3 landing) was powered by a Radioisotope thermonuclear generator, a kind of nuclear battery that would help it function for at least one Earth-year on the moon. The power source used by the Russian lander would offer power supply and also help the lander keep warm during the lunar night. However, ISRO doesn't possess this technology yet and had to make do with the solar-powered lander-rover duo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lunar night temperatures in the Moon's equatorial regions are around minus 130 degrees Celsius. However, near the lunar South Pole, the temperatures could well be minus 200 degrees Celsius. In order for Chandrayaan-3 to survive, the circuits, sensors, electronics, hardware and other components of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan rover would have to live through this cold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The (lander-rover) systems are likely to work longer... But, because we don't have power for the next 14 days (lunar night), the mission is unlikely to survive beyond, as the battery cannot support for very long....We are hoping that after 14 Earth days of lunar night, it will come back, but it is not assured because all systems will go to minus 150 degrees centigrade, which is far beyond the survival limit of many materials used on the lander...By design, it (mission life) is 14 days, if we are lucky we may get longer," M&nbsp;Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre had earlier told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after sunrise, the lunar temperature would have to stabilize to a daytime temperature, from the brutally chilly night temperature, which is a shift of more than 300 degrees Celsius.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the survival of Vikram is crucial?</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO's Vikram lander serves as the mother craft and the Pragyan rover is its baby. Until the time of landing and rover deployment, the 26kg Pragyan was in the belly of the Vikram lander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Pragyan does have its own cameras, solar panels and science payloads, its capabilities are limited and entirely dependent on the mother craft. For context, Pragyan only traversed distances on the moon that were within the visual range of the lander cameras, just like how a mother wouldn't let a baby venture out of sight. When ISRO mission operations teams issue commands to the Pragyan rover, they are not directly issuing commands from the Earth-based antennae to the rover. Instead, the commands are sent from Earth-based antennae to the Lander and then the lander cascades it to the rover. Likewise, the rover's own data is first sent to the lander and then to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Vikram is the crucial communications link in this mission, its survival is of utmost importance, without which there would not be any meaning in the survival of Pragyan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>The backup communication link&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p>If the Vikram lander is the only one to survive this brutal lunar night and ISRO has trouble communicating directly with the lander, there is a backup communication channel that ISRO has kept ready.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which has been circling the moon since September 2019 is still active and operational, according to ISRO. Days prior to the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO had established a communication link between the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. Therefore, ISRO has a messenger in place around the moon, in case such a need arises.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>A possible re-awakening is a big bonus</b></h2>

<p>In addition to performing its planned mission flawlessly, Chandrayaan-3 also performed a hop test, a short-distance vertical take-off, hover and landing. The hop test data would provide crucial information for ISRO to plan more ambitious lunar missions (including sample-return missions), and work towards developing such technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the science fraternity awaits a possible re-awakening, the copious amounts of data provided by the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover are already being analysed by the principal investigators and the relevant teams behind the respective science payloads. It would take months or years for scientific inferences and theories to be derived from that data. That's what science missions are all about - the study of the mission data takes exponentially longer than the mission itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A possible re-awakening will be a pleasant surprise and a major validation of the extreme robustness of ISRO's lander-rover technology and offer significantly more confidence to ISRO for such extreme Indian science ventures on other celestial bodies.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


After a 14-Earth-day long period of darkness and brutal cold (temperatures around minus 200 degrees Celsius), the Sun has risen over the Lunar south pole, near where India's Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have remained in sleep mode since September 2.

After a 14-Earth-day long period of darkness and brutal cold (temperatures around minus 200 degrees Celsius), the Sun has risen over the Lunar south pole, near where India's Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have remained in sleep mode since September 2. After performing a lunar soft landing on August 23, the solar-powered Chandrayaan-3 mission had completed all its planned science missions within a fortnight and signed off on a high by performing a surprise hop test at the final stage of the mission. All eyes are on the Indian space agency ISRO, as they expect to hear from Chandrayaan-3 by around September 22nd, Friday. WION has learnt that the Sun has risen over the Shiv Shakti Point (which is the name that India has assigned to the Chandrayaan-3 landing site). However, the sunrise is not the real deal. The Sun must be at a certain angle, such that the solar panels of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander and Pragyan rover are able to receive sunlight and can harness the power of the Sun to warm up, charge their batteries and receive signals from Earth and then attempt a re-awakening. "The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Otherwise, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO said on September 2. The parameters that determine the re-awakening During the lunar day, temperatures are around 130 degrees Celsius (more than twice as hot as the hottest temperature recorded on Earth). By living and working throughout its planned operational life, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover demonstrated their total ability to function during the lunar day. As the lunar night approached, ISRO fully charged the batteries of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan rovers and put them into sleep or hibernation mode. This is similar to what certain mammals (bears and rodents) do on Earth in preparation for the harsh and brutal winters when temperatures are freezing and food is scarce. They gorge on as much food as they can, slow down their metabolic activity and go into a dormant state for weeks or months. Depending purely on solar power for its functioning, Chandrayaan-3 was put into hibernation mode, considering that there would be no sunlight (power) during the lunar night. For context, Russia's Luna-25 (which crash landed days before Chandrayaan-3 landing) was powered by a Radioisotope thermonuclear generator, a kind of nuclear battery that would help it function for at least one Earth-year on the moon. The power source used by the Russian lander would offer power supply and also help the lander keep warm during the lunar night. However, ISRO doesn't possess this technology yet and had to make do with the solar-powered lander-rover duo. Lunar night temperatures in the Moon's equatorial regions are around minus 130 degrees Celsius. However, near the lunar South Pole, the temperatures could well be minus 200 degrees Celsius. In order for Chandrayaan-3 to survive, the circuits, sensors, electronics, hardware and other components of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan rover would have to live through this cold. "The (lander-rover) systems are likely to work longer... But, because we don't have power for the next 14 days (lunar night), the mission is unlikely to survive beyond, as the battery cannot support for very long....We are hoping that after 14 Earth days of lunar night, it will come back, but it is not assured because all systems will go to minus 150 degrees centigrade, which is far beyond the survival limit of many materials used on the lander...By design, it (mission life) is 14 days, if we are lucky we may get longer," M Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre had earlier told WION. Even after sunrise, the lunar temperature would have to stabilize to a daytime temperature, from the brutally chilly night temperature, which is a shift of more than 300 degrees Celsius. Why the survival of Vikram is crucial? ISRO's Vikram lander serves as the mother craft and the Pragyan rover is its baby. Until the time of landing and rover deployment, the 26kg Pragyan was in the belly of the Vikram lander. While Pragyan does have its own cameras, solar panels and science payloads, its capabilities are limited and entirely dependent on the mother craft. For context, Pragyan only traversed distances on the moon that were within the visual range of the lander cameras, just like how a mother wouldn't let a baby venture out of sight. When ISRO mission operations teams issue commands to the Pragyan rover, they are not directly issuing commands from the Earth-based antennae to the rover. Instead, the commands are sent from Earth-based antennae to the Lander and then the lander cascades it to the rover. Likewise, the rover's own data is first sent to the lander and then to Earth. As Vikram is the crucial communications link in this mission, its survival is of utmost importance, without which there would not be any meaning in the survival of Pragyan. The backup communication link If the Vikram lander is the only one to survive this brutal lunar night and ISRO has trouble communicating directly with the lander, there is a backup communication channel that ISRO has kept ready. The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which has been circling the moon since September 2019 is still active and operational, according to ISRO. Days prior to the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO had established a communication link between the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. Therefore, ISRO has a messenger in place around the moon, in case such a need arises. A possible re-awakening is a big bonus In addition to performing its planned mission flawlessly, Chandrayaan-3 also performed a hop test, a short-distance vertical take-off, hover and landing. The hop test data would provide crucial information for ISRO to plan more ambitious lunar missions (including sample-return missions), and work towards developing such technology. As the science fraternity awaits a possible re-awakening, the copious amounts of data provided by the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover are already being analysed by the principal investigators and the relevant teams behind the respective science payloads. It would take months or years for scientific inferences and theories to be derived from that data. That's what science missions are all about - the study of the mission data takes exponentially longer than the mission itself. A possible re-awakening will be a pleasant surprise and a major validation of the extreme robustness of ISRO's lander-rover technology and offer significantly more confidence to ISRO for such extreme Indian science ventures on other celestial bodies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Sun has risen: India awaits possible re-awakening of Chandrayaan-3

<p>After 17 days of circling Earth, India's solar observatory Aditya-L1 craft has been slingshot on a long journey towards its destination, 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. In the wee hours of Tuesday (Indian Standard Time), ISRO issued commands to fire the on-board engines of the Aditya-L1 craft, thereby granting it adequate departure energy to travel on the trajectory that will take it to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point 1.</p>

<p>This point is at 1 percentage distance of the 150 million kilometre Earth-Sun distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The spacecraft is now on a trajectory that will take it to the Sun-Earth L1 point. It will be injected into an orbit around L1 through a maneuver after about 110 days," ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Aditya-L1 is the fifth&nbsp;consecutive Indian spacecraft to be slingshot from Earth's orbit towards its destination in interplanetary space or towards a celestial body.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-aditya-l1-mission-to-study-sun-strikes-major-landmark-with-collection-of-scientific-data-637087">India's Aditya L1 mission to study Sun strikes major landmark with collection of scientific data</a></strong></p>

<p>As Indian rockets do not possess adequate lifting power to directly offer adequate departure velocity to spacecraft and hurl them to faraway destinations, India uses what is commonly known as the 'slingshot technique'.</p>

<p>This method has been deployed successfully in missions such as&nbsp;Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mangalyaan (2013), Chandrayaan-2 (2019), Chandrayaan-3 (2023) and Aditya-L1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In technical terms, such a method makes use of what is known as the 'Oberth Effect', which states that the most efficient place for a spacecraft to change velocity is at the lowest point of its orbit.</p>

<p>Aditya-L1 and other spacecraft listed above were placed in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. Typically, satellites that are meant to remain in orbit around the Earth are placed in a circular orbit. So, at all times the craft is equidistant from earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when a craft has to be transferred from one orbit to another or has to be slingshot on a path towards another celestial body, then it is placed in an elliptical or egg-shaped orbit.</p>

<p>In an egg-shaped orbit, the craft's distance from the earth's surface keeps varying. The closest approach that the craft makes to the earth is known as perigee and the farthest approach is known as apogee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The velocity of the craft is highest when it is at perigee (the closest approach to Earth).</p>

<p>Therefore, when the craft's engines are fired at perigee, the craft will gain more kinetic energy (departure energy), than it would during an engine firing at apogee.</p>

<p>This is why all engine firings for raising orbits are done at perigee. It is fuel-efficient and low-cost (as opposed to using a larger rocket).&nbsp;</p>

<p>By mastering such complex calculations and executing multiple orbit-raising manoeuvres and injection manoeuvres, ISRO has proven its mettle in carrying out such complex missions to the Moon&nbsp;and Mars and now to study the Sun from afar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to ISRO, placing the spacecraft at the L1 point&nbsp;provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities and their effect on space weather in real time.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 kms | World DNA</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-sun-mission-aditya-l1-begins-collecting-data-from-distance-of-50000-kms-world-dna-637371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors. Using the special vantage point L1, four payloads directly view the Sun and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1, thus providing important scientific studies of the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium.</p>

<p>The Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide the most crucial information to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particles and fields etc, ISRO said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


After 17 days of circling Earth, India's solar observatory Aditya-L1 craft has been slingshot on a long journey towards its destination, 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth.

After 17 days of circling Earth, India's solar observatory Aditya-L1 craft has been slingshot on a long journey towards its destination, 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. In the wee hours of Tuesday (Indian Standard Time), ISRO issued commands to fire the on-board engines of the Aditya-L1 craft, thereby granting it adequate departure energy to travel on the trajectory that will take it to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point 1. This point is at 1 percentage distance of the 150 million kilometre Earth-Sun distance. "The spacecraft is now on a trajectory that will take it to the Sun-Earth L1 point. It will be injected into an orbit around L1 through a maneuver after about 110 days," ISRO said. Notably, Aditya-L1 is the fifth consecutive Indian spacecraft to be slingshot from Earth's orbit towards its destination in interplanetary space or towards a celestial body. Also read | India's Aditya L1 mission to study Sun strikes major landmark with collection of scientific data As Indian rockets do not possess adequate lifting power to directly offer adequate departure velocity to spacecraft and hurl them to faraway destinations, India uses what is commonly known as the 'slingshot technique'. This method has been deployed successfully in missions such as Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mangalyaan (2013), Chandrayaan-2 (2019), Chandrayaan-3 (2023) and Aditya-L1. In technical terms, such a method makes use of what is known as the 'Oberth Effect', which states that the most efficient place for a spacecraft to change velocity is at the lowest point of its orbit. Aditya-L1 and other spacecraft listed above were placed in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. Typically, satellites that are meant to remain in orbit around the Earth are placed in a circular orbit. So, at all times the craft is equidistant from earth. However, when a craft has to be transferred from one orbit to another or has to be slingshot on a path towards another celestial body, then it is placed in an elliptical or egg-shaped orbit. In an egg-shaped orbit, the craft's distance from the earth's surface keeps varying. The closest approach that the craft makes to the earth is known as perigee and the farthest approach is known as apogee. The velocity of the craft is highest when it is at perigee (the closest approach to Earth). Therefore, when the craft's engines are fired at perigee, the craft will gain more kinetic energy (departure energy), than it would during an engine firing at apogee. This is why all engine firings for raising orbits are done at perigee. It is fuel-efficient and low-cost (as opposed to using a larger rocket). By mastering such complex calculations and executing multiple orbit-raising manoeuvres and injection manoeuvres, ISRO has proven its mettle in carrying out such complex missions to the Moon and Mars and now to study the Sun from afar. According to ISRO, placing the spacecraft at the L1 point provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities and their effect on space weather in real time. Also watch | India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 kms | World DNA × The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors. Using the special vantage point L1, four payloads directly view the Sun and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1, thus providing important scientific studies of the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium. The Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide the most crucial information to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particles and fields etc, ISRO said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

High-five for ISRO's 'slingshot technique' as Aditya-L1 leaves Earth's orbit for its destination

<p>Double Oscar-winner and musician AR Rahman is admired and adored by millions of fans in India and abroad. Hailing from Chennai (erstwhile Madras), Tamil Nadu, Rahman, is lovingly known as the 'Mozart of Madras'. Given that the artist only performs in a city once every&nbsp;few years, there is a massive demand and enthusiasm for his live performances.&nbsp;However, several fans who attended AR Rahman's Chennai concert on Sunday evening have horror stories and worst experiences to recount on social media. These range from molestation, stampede-like situations and no seating arrangements to&nbsp;ticket-holders not being allowed into the venue, serpentine queues, massive traffic snarls, improper parking arrangements and even poor-quality audio</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">the number of men who used the crowd as an excuse to violate women today..<br />
we were struggling to breathe and were also violated. fuck all those men and fuck <a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a><br />
the fan in me died today <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> thank you for that🙏</p>
— Pavitra (@pavitrash_) <a href="https://twitter.com/pavitrash_/status/1700908540972749138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Woke up to having such a weight in my heart.The unsafe feeling i have today is haunting me. One of the people who groped me,literally looked into my eyes when I just asked him for the way and move.<br />
I'm exhausted.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marakumanenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marakumanenjam</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRConcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRConcert</a><a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> <a href="https://t.co/58SXFOP5kJ">pic.twitter.com/58SXFOP5kJ</a></p>
— Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/charuturfo/status/1701072013161607549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam' (Will the heart forget?), the concert was held at&nbsp;Adityaram Palace, an open ground along Chennai's East Coast Road, the stretch that leads to UNESCO World Heritage town Mamallapuram.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ar-rahman-says-winning-an-oscar-put-him-in-a-pigeonhole-629883">AR Rahman says winning an Oscar put him in a pigeonhole</a></strong></p>

<p>Originally scheduled for August 12th, the concert had to be called off owing to heavy rains and the open-air venue being left in a mess after the showers. The re-scheduled concert took place on September 10, Sunday evening at the same venue.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRahmanConcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRahmanConcert</a> is nothing but<br />
⭐️Extortion of money,<br />
⭐️Life is in DANGER ,<br />
⭐️Ppl are getting MOLESTED<br />
⭐️Ppl r Fainting<br />
-Dr Vandhana ( concert goer)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRahman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRahman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRConcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRConcert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Arr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marakumanenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marakumanenjam</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gcn22HfTlj">pic.twitter.com/Gcn22HfTlj</a></p>
— Aryabhata | ஆர்யபட்டா 🕉️ (@Aryabhata99) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aryabhata99/status/1700972603413033100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Diehard fans of AR Rahman, who had attended the concert and spent as much as INR&nbsp;5000 ($60.3) per ticket, have been lashing out at the Oscar winner for the shameful experiences that they were subject to at the venue.</p>

<p>In the run-up to the concert on Sunday evening, the two major highways leading to the venue — East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, were choked with traffic. Those who reached the venue with valid tickets were denied entry, owing to overcrowding. Vehicle parking was another major hassle, according to those who attended the event. Hundreds of people with valid tickets were denied entry and forced to gather near the gates, thereby leading to a stampede-like situation, where women were molested, and children and the elderly suffered in the melee. There were even reports of children going missing in the crowds.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imagine paying 2000 rupees for gold tickets and this is what you get? What a shit show. Had to return back without even entering. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRConcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRConcert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marakumanenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marakumanenjam</a> <a href="https://t.co/r8c64JLOuP">pic.twitter.com/r8c64JLOuP</a></p>
— Uncle Fed (@WhatTheFahad) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatTheFahad/status/1700889537164251582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While the suffering unfolded outside the venue, the concert went on. However, even those gathered at the concert grounds alleged that the audio quality was poor and almost inaudible. Videos have emerged on social media, showing that the convoy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was caught up along the same stretch, near the concert venue. The high-security convoy of Stalin was seen driving along what appeared to be the wrong side of the road, in a bid to escape the risky traffic situation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-jawan-box-office-shah-rukh-khan-starrer-crosses-a-whopping-rs-2-billion-on-first-weekend-634720">Jawan box office: Shah Rukh Khan starrer crosses a whopping Rs 2 billion on first weekend</a></strong></p>

<p>Videos have also emerged of fans tearing the tickets and saying how AR Rahman has caused a huge disappointment for them, as they had attended the event only for his sake and their love for him.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a woman who was groped twice in the concert,<br />
Shame on all of you for making me go through anxiety and adding on to my trauma.<a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarakkumaNenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarakkumaNenjam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRConcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRConcert</a></p>
— Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/charuturfo/status/1700962660039434370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>There are several allegations on social media that the organisers over-sold tickets, despite knowing the on-site limitations and the possibility of overcrowding. However, there are also videos of VVIPs and film personalities seated in front rows and enjoying the concert, flanked by bouncers and security staff. Many were quick to point out similar issues faced by fans during an August 18th AR Rahman concert in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and how lessons have not been learnt from the mishaps there.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WORST WORST WORST CONCERT EVER!! Very poorly organised concert by the organiser. No proper coordination from road to seating everything. Horrible planning. THEY HAVE TAKEN FANS FOR GRANTED. I feel like SCAM of money!! <a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marakumanenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marakumanenjam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/arrconcert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#arrconcert</a></p>
— Kanimozhi Manoharan (@Kaniiii___) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kaniiii___/status/1700903390811697483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After the massive outrage on social media and the concert mismanagement and related videos trending online, ACTC Events, which organised the show, has apologised to fans. However,&nbsp;it has not elaborated on how ticket holders who weren't permitted to enter would be compensated.</p>

<p>AR Rahman's admin-run X-account has been sharing posts of those who enjoyed the concert and that of the event management firm. Acknowledging&nbsp;the widespread fury,&nbsp;the account later published a post asking people who were denied entry to share a picture of their tickets.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren’t able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to arr4chennai@btos.in along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/BToSproductions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BToSproductions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a></p>
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/1701121511736684911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, the major concern among fans is not about money or refund, but that women reported being&nbsp;molested.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/actcevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actcevents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> and everybody else involved in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marakumanenjam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marakumanenjam</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARRahman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARRahman</a> live. We need answers, accountability, refunds and much more. The organizing today was pathetic, and not only from an experience POV but dangers to health&amp;safety. Videos attached, thread follows. <a href="https://t.co/hf7fnyDVHc">pic.twitter.com/hf7fnyDVHc</a></p>
— Nitin (@makhayanitini) <a href="https://twitter.com/makhayanitini/status/1700899165906034788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ironically, social media users and concertgoers have been saying that the concert titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam' (Will the heart forget?), will never be forgotten, thanks to all the mishaps at the event.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Double Oscar-winner and musician AR Rahman is admired and adored by millions of fans in India and abroad. Hailing from Chennai (erstwhile Madras), Tamil Nadu, Rahman, is lovingly known as the 'Mozart of Madras'.

Double Oscar-winner and musician AR Rahman is admired and adored by millions of fans in India and abroad. Hailing from Chennai (erstwhile Madras), Tamil Nadu, Rahman, is lovingly known as the 'Mozart of Madras'. Given that the artist only performs in a city once every few years, there is a massive demand and enthusiasm for his live performances. However, several fans who attended AR Rahman's Chennai concert on Sunday evening have horror stories and worst experiences to recount on social media. These range from molestation, stampede-like situations and no seating arrangements to ticket-holders not being allowed into the venue, serpentine queues, massive traffic snarls, improper parking arrangements and even poor-quality audio the number of men who used the crowd as an excuse to violate women today.. we were struggling to breathe and were also violated. fuck all those men and fuck @actcevents the fan in me died today @arrahman thank you for that🙏 — Pavitra (@pavitrash_) September 10, 2023 × Woke up to having such a weight in my heart.The unsafe feeling i have today is haunting me. One of the people who groped me,literally looked into my eyes when I just asked him for the way and move. I'm exhausted.#marakumanenjam#ARRConcert@actcevents @arrahman pic.twitter.com/58SXFOP5kJ — Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) September 11, 2023 × Titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam' (Will the heart forget?), the concert was held at Adityaram Palace, an open ground along Chennai's East Coast Road, the stretch that leads to UNESCO World Heritage town Mamallapuram. Also read | AR Rahman says winning an Oscar put him in a pigeonhole Originally scheduled for August 12th, the concert had to be called off owing to heavy rains and the open-air venue being left in a mess after the showers. The re-scheduled concert took place on September 10, Sunday evening at the same venue. #ARRahmanConcert is nothing but ⭐️Extortion of money, ⭐️Life is in DANGER , ⭐️Ppl are getting MOLESTED ⭐️Ppl r Fainting -Dr Vandhana ( concert goer)#ARRahman #ARRConcert #Arr #marakumanenjam pic.twitter.com/Gcn22HfTlj — Aryabhata | ஆர்யபட்டா 🕉️ (@Aryabhata99) September 10, 2023 × Diehard fans of AR Rahman, who had attended the concert and spent as much as INR 5000 ($60.3) per ticket, have been lashing out at the Oscar winner for the shameful experiences that they were subject to at the venue. In the run-up to the concert on Sunday evening, the two major highways leading to the venue — East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, were choked with traffic. Those who reached the venue with valid tickets were denied entry, owing to overcrowding. Vehicle parking was another major hassle, according to those who attended the event. Hundreds of people with valid tickets were denied entry and forced to gather near the gates, thereby leading to a stampede-like situation, where women were molested, and children and the elderly suffered in the melee. There were even reports of children going missing in the crowds. Imagine paying 2000 rupees for gold tickets and this is what you get? What a shit show. Had to return back without even entering. #ARRConcert #marakumanenjam pic.twitter.com/r8c64JLOuP — Uncle Fed (@WhatTheFahad) September 10, 2023 × While the suffering unfolded outside the venue, the concert went on. However, even those gathered at the concert grounds alleged that the audio quality was poor and almost inaudible. Videos have emerged on social media, showing that the convoy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was caught up along the same stretch, near the concert venue. The high-security convoy of Stalin was seen driving along what appeared to be the wrong side of the road, in a bid to escape the risky traffic situation. Also read | Jawan box office: Shah Rukh Khan starrer crosses a whopping Rs 2 billion on first weekend Videos have also emerged of fans tearing the tickets and saying how AR Rahman has caused a huge disappointment for them, as they had attended the event only for his sake and their love for him. As a woman who was groped twice in the concert, Shame on all of you for making me go through anxiety and adding on to my trauma.@arrahman @actcevents #MarakkumaNenjam #ARRConcert — Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) September 10, 2023 × There are several allegations on social media that the organisers over-sold tickets, despite knowing the on-site limitations and the possibility of overcrowding. However, there are also videos of VVIPs and film personalities seated in front rows and enjoying the concert, flanked by bouncers and security staff. Many were quick to point out similar issues faced by fans during an August 18th AR Rahman concert in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and how lessons have not been learnt from the mishaps there. WORST WORST WORST CONCERT EVER!! Very poorly organised concert by the organiser. No proper coordination from road to seating everything. Horrible planning. THEY HAVE TAKEN FANS FOR GRANTED. I feel like SCAM of money!! @actcevents @arrahman #marakumanenjam #arrconcert — Kanimozhi Manoharan (@Kaniiii___) September 10, 2023 × After the massive outrage on social media and the concert mismanagement and related videos trending online, ACTC Events, which organised the show, has apologised to fans. However, it has not elaborated on how ticket holders who weren't permitted to enter would be compensated. AR Rahman's admin-run X-account has been sharing posts of those who enjoyed the concert and that of the event management firm. Acknowledging the widespread fury, the account later published a post asking people who were denied entry to share a picture of their tickets. Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren’t able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to arr4chennai@btos.in along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap🙏@BToSproductions @actcevents — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 11, 2023 × However, the major concern among fans is not about money or refund, but that women reported being molested. @actcevents @arrahman and everybody else involved in #marakumanenjam and #ARRahman live. We need answers, accountability, refunds and much more. The organizing today was pathetic, and not only from an experience POV but dangers to health&safety. Videos attached, thread follows. pic.twitter.com/hf7fnyDVHc — Nitin (@makhayanitini) September 10, 2023 × Ironically, social media users and concertgoers have been saying that the concert titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam' (Will the heart forget?), will never be forgotten, thanks to all the mishaps at the event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Molestation, stampede-like situation': Fans slam AR Rahman for shoddily-run Chennai concert

<p>When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at the 75th year celebratory event of Indian automobile major Ashok Leyland and he expressed confidence about India becoming the top automobile manufacturing hub in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We (India) are the fastest growing nation in the world and the automobile sector is our growth engine, as it constitutes 6.5 per cent of GDP and contributes the highest amount of Goods and Services Tax to State and Central Governments. From Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2014, now our automobile sector is worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore,” he said. He added that the sector offered employment for more than 4.5 crore (45 million)&nbsp;persons.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-firm-skyroot-aerospace-test-fires-3-d-printed-cryogenic-engine-spacefaring-rocket-launch-by-2023-end-579750">&nbsp;Indian firm test fires 3-D printed cryogenic engine; spacefaring rocket launch by 2023 end</a></strong></p>

<p>On this occasion of Ashok Leyland entering into its 76th year, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series. The IeV Series is said to be India’s first electric commercial vehicle in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last-mile transportation needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The firm also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on the country’s roads, they said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-chola-era-skill-was-used-to-sculpt-8-metal18-ton-nataraja-idol-in-7months-632945">Exclusive: How Chola-era skill was used to sculpt 8-metal,18-tonne Nataraja idol, in 7 months</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking at the event, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility mentioned that their firm was taking big steps to develop and launch Electric buses in India and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari.

When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at the 75th year celebratory event of Indian automobile major Ashok Leyland and he expressed confidence about India becoming the top automobile manufacturing hub in the world. “We (India) are the fastest growing nation in the world and the automobile sector is our growth engine, as it constitutes 6.5 per cent of GDP and contributes the highest amount of Goods and Services Tax to State and Central Governments. From Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2014, now our automobile sector is worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore,” he said. He added that the sector offered employment for more than 4.5 crore (45 million) persons. ALSO READ | Indian firm test fires 3-D printed cryogenic engine; spacefaring rocket launch by 2023 end On this occasion of Ashok Leyland entering into its 76th year, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series. The IeV Series is said to be India’s first electric commercial vehicle in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last-mile transportation needs. The firm also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on the country’s roads, they said. ALSO READ | Exclusive: How Chola-era skill was used to sculpt 8-metal,18-tonne Nataraja idol, in 7 months Speaking at the event, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility mentioned that their firm was taking big steps to develop and launch Electric buses in India and the United Kingdom. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In 9 years, India has become 3rd automobile economy from 7th: Nitin Gadkari

<p>After successfully completing a hectic fortnight of constant work, wouldn't you want to unwind and try something new or extraordinary, as a final and celebratory act? That's kind of what the Indian Space agency ISRO has done with its Chandrayaan-3 craft, that has completed all its scientific and exploratory work near the Lunar south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The craft performed what is known as a Hop test, where its jumps from its landing site and moves a little sideways and soft-lands again. This is a helicopter-like controlled and meticulously planned vertical take-off and vertical-landing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-image-of-indias-vikram-lander-on-moon-spotted-by-its-lunar-orbiter-632774">NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest hop test that ISRO has completed successfully is a surprise move by the Indian Space agency and a significant technological leap for the Indian Space programme. This is the first publicly-known vertical take-off and vertical-landing</p>

<p>(VTVL) done by an Indian craft. Notably, ISRO is also working on re-usable rockets that are capable of VTVL.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Hop experiment by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramLander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramLander</a> explained in a single <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#video</a> - Vikram did the same thing on the moon! Only difference - Lunar gravity is 1/6th that of earth<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chandrayaan3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lunar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lunar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoonLanding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoonLanding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCIENCE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCIENCE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IronMan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IronMan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Engineering?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Engineering</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marvel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Marvel</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hWOndpoMJ">pic.twitter.com/7hWOndpoMJ</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1698618650402652271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>What is a Hop test?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 was primarily meant to land on the Lunar surface (using the Vikram Lander) and traverse the Lunar terrain (using the Pragyan rover), while both of them conduct their respective experiments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This mission was supposed to be a one-way trip and will be so; land at your destination, conduct studies and remain there for eternity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What if ISRO wishes to send back samples from the moon or land humans on the moon? In that case, safe-soft-landing is just half the job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to commence a return journey from the moon to the earth, one must be able to vertically take-off from the Lunar surface and reach moon's orbit and then fire its engines to head towards earth orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This hop test is a preliminary step towards understanding what it takes to fire the craft's engines on the Lunar surface and take a small hop towards the side.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
🇮🇳Vikram soft-landed on 🌖, again!<br />
<br />
Vikram Lander exceeded its mission objectives. It successfully underwent a hop experiment.<br />
<br />
On command, it fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40 cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30 – 40 cm away.… <a href="https://t.co/T63t3MVUvI">pic.twitter.com/T63t3MVUvI</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1698570774385205621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This would provide valuable data for ISRO and validate their existing hardware and software.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, ISRO does not possess the technological means to make a craft take-off vertically from the moon and reach lunar orbit and then facilitate its return to Earth. A hop test offers more confidence, for such technology development in future. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How far and high was the Hop?</strong></h2>

<p>"On command, it (Vikram Lander) fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40 cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30 - 40 cm away. Importance?: This 'kick-start' enthuses future sample return and human missions!" ISRO said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To put this in perspective, this Hop is similar to a pre-workout warm-up, where one jumps up and lands one feet away from the original spot. This is easy for us to imagine and perform by ourselves on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when a robotic Lunar craft has to perform the same thing near the Lunar south pole, things get exponentially complicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the moon, the gravity is barely 1/6th that of Earth. The Lunar terrain is uneven and strewn around with fine Lunar dust, which gets kicked up when an engine is fired on/near the surface and this fine dust (which remains suspended over the site for a few hours) can cause issues for the craft's on-board sensors, cameras and instruments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the uneven terrain, the craft must be able to take-off, hover and land smoothly and not get toppled over. By executing all this successfully, ISRO has proven the robustness and reliability of their technology.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When was the first Lunar Hop executed?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA Surveyor 6 was the fourth of the Surveyor Lunar craft series to successfully achieve a soft landing on the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The primary objectives of the Surveyor program, a series of seven robotic lunar soft-landing flights, were to support the crewed Apollo landings that commenced in 1969.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 17th November 1969, the engines of the Surveyor 6 craft were fired for 2.5 seconds, causing Surveyor to lift off the lunar surface 3 to 4 meters and land about 2.4 meters west of its original position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This lunar "hop" represented the first powered take-off from the lunar surface and furnished new information on the effects of firing rocket engines on the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Surveyor 6 did the first-ever Lunar hop, the same technology was used in a significantly scaled up manner to conduct multiple lunar sample return missions and Apollo astronaut missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander in hibernation mode for more than 24 hours | India News | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-3-vikram-lander-in-hibernation-mode-for-more-than-24-hours-india-news-wion-dispatch-632638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Therefore, after Surveyor 6, multiple crafts have vertically taken-off from the Lunar surface and headed back to earth. In 2023, ISRO has done its own hop test, perhaps, in preparation for bigger and more sophisticated Lunar exploratory ambitions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India's next Lunar Mission is with Japan</strong></h2>

<p>The Chandrayaan-3 mission has been a resounding success and ISRO has proven its Lunar soft-landing technology. This would fast-track the proposed ISRO-JAXA Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Indian and Japanese space scientists have worked closely in the formative years of ISRO, there has never been a formal joint mission between the two. LUPEX will change that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fundamentally, LUPEX will be like Chandrayaan-3. It will be an uncrewed moon mission and the in-situ experiments would be carried out by the robotic lander and rover combination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to WION prior to the Chandrayaan-3 launch, Ishii Yasuo, Vice President, JAXA had said that the flawless landing of Chandrayaan-3 would be a pre-requisite for the LUPEX mission, as LUPEX would involve an Indian Lunar lander and Japanese rover.</p>

<p>He added that the mission was meant to explore the distribution of water-ice around the Lunar polar region and that Indian and Japanese team were conducting phase-2 studies on the joint mission, which could be launched by a Japanese rocket in 3-4 years.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


After successfully completing a hectic fortnight of constant work, wouldn't you want to unwind and try something new or extraordinary, as a final and celebratory act?

After successfully completing a hectic fortnight of constant work, wouldn't you want to unwind and try something new or extraordinary, as a final and celebratory act? That's kind of what the Indian Space agency ISRO has done with its Chandrayaan-3 craft, that has completed all its scientific and exploratory work near the Lunar south pole. The craft performed what is known as a Hop test, where its jumps from its landing site and moves a little sideways and soft-lands again. This is a helicopter-like controlled and meticulously planned vertical take-off and vertical-landing. Also read | NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter The latest hop test that ISRO has completed successfully is a surprise move by the Indian Space agency and a significant technological leap for the Indian Space programme. This is the first publicly-known vertical take-off and vertical-landing (VTVL) done by an Indian craft. Notably, ISRO is also working on re-usable rockets that are capable of VTVL. The Hop experiment by #isro #VikramLander explained in a single #video - Vikram did the same thing on the moon! Only difference - Lunar gravity is 1/6th that of earth#india #Chandrayaan #chandrayaan3 #moon #lunar #MoonLanding #space #tech #SCIENCE #IronMan #Engineering #Marvel pic.twitter.com/7hWOndpoMJ — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 4, 2023 × What is a Hop test? Chandrayaan-3 was primarily meant to land on the Lunar surface (using the Vikram Lander) and traverse the Lunar terrain (using the Pragyan rover), while both of them conduct their respective experiments. This mission was supposed to be a one-way trip and will be so; land at your destination, conduct studies and remain there for eternity. What if ISRO wishes to send back samples from the moon or land humans on the moon? In that case, safe-soft-landing is just half the job. In order to commence a return journey from the moon to the earth, one must be able to vertically take-off from the Lunar surface and reach moon's orbit and then fire its engines to head towards earth orbit. This hop test is a preliminary step towards understanding what it takes to fire the craft's engines on the Lunar surface and take a small hop towards the side. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 🇮🇳Vikram soft-landed on 🌖, again! Vikram Lander exceeded its mission objectives. It successfully underwent a hop experiment. On command, it fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40 cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30 – 40 cm away.… pic.twitter.com/T63t3MVUvI — ISRO (@isro) September 4, 2023 × This would provide valuable data for ISRO and validate their existing hardware and software. At present, ISRO does not possess the technological means to make a craft take-off vertically from the moon and reach lunar orbit and then facilitate its return to Earth. A hop test offers more confidence, for such technology development in future. How far and high was the Hop? "On command, it (Vikram Lander) fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40 cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30 - 40 cm away. Importance?: This 'kick-start' enthuses future sample return and human missions!" ISRO said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. To put this in perspective, this Hop is similar to a pre-workout warm-up, where one jumps up and lands one feet away from the original spot. This is easy for us to imagine and perform by ourselves on Earth. However, when a robotic Lunar craft has to perform the same thing near the Lunar south pole, things get exponentially complicated. On the moon, the gravity is barely 1/6th that of Earth. The Lunar terrain is uneven and strewn around with fine Lunar dust, which gets kicked up when an engine is fired on/near the surface and this fine dust (which remains suspended over the site for a few hours) can cause issues for the craft's on-board sensors, cameras and instruments. Given the uneven terrain, the craft must be able to take-off, hover and land smoothly and not get toppled over. By executing all this successfully, ISRO has proven the robustness and reliability of their technology. When was the first Lunar Hop executed? NASA Surveyor 6 was the fourth of the Surveyor Lunar craft series to successfully achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The primary objectives of the Surveyor program, a series of seven robotic lunar soft-landing flights, were to support the crewed Apollo landings that commenced in 1969. On 17th November 1969, the engines of the Surveyor 6 craft were fired for 2.5 seconds, causing Surveyor to lift off the lunar surface 3 to 4 meters and land about 2.4 meters west of its original position. This lunar "hop" represented the first powered take-off from the lunar surface and furnished new information on the effects of firing rocket engines on the Moon. After Surveyor 6 did the first-ever Lunar hop, the same technology was used in a significantly scaled up manner to conduct multiple lunar sample return missions and Apollo astronaut missions. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander in hibernation mode for more than 24 hours | India News | WION Dispatch × Therefore, after Surveyor 6, multiple crafts have vertically taken-off from the Lunar surface and headed back to earth. In 2023, ISRO has done its own hop test, perhaps, in preparation for bigger and more sophisticated Lunar exploratory ambitions. India's next Lunar Mission is with Japan The Chandrayaan-3 mission has been a resounding success and ISRO has proven its Lunar soft-landing technology. This would fast-track the proposed ISRO-JAXA Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX). While the Indian and Japanese space scientists have worked closely in the formative years of ISRO, there has never been a formal joint mission between the two. LUPEX will change that. Fundamentally, LUPEX will be like Chandrayaan-3. It will be an uncrewed moon mission and the in-situ experiments would be carried out by the robotic lander and rover combination. Speaking to WION prior to the Chandrayaan-3 launch, Ishii Yasuo, Vice President, JAXA had said that the flawless landing of Chandrayaan-3 would be a pre-requisite for the LUPEX mission, as LUPEX would involve an Indian Lunar lander and Japanese rover. He added that the mission was meant to explore the distribution of water-ice around the Lunar polar region and that Indian and Japanese team were conducting phase-2 studies on the joint mission, which could be launched by a Japanese rocket in 3-4 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3 lunar hop explained: Small jump for Vikram lander, giant leap for ISRO

<p>As World leaders and delegates arrive in India for the G20 summit this weekend, a majestic 'Nataraja' sculpture that reflects a centuries-old royal art form from India, awaits them. The world's largest idol of 'Nataraja' (Hindu God Shiva as the divine cosmic dancer) installed at the forecourt of the Bharat Mandapam G20 venue in New Delhi, traces its origins to Swamimalai in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, the land of the mighty Chola empire. WION spoke to Srikanda Sthapathy, the master craftsman in bronze castings, who along with his family and fellow artists sculpted the world's largest Nataraja idol in record time, ahead of the G20 summit.</p>

<p>"It all began with a tendering process and detailed scrutiny. Our family-run firm S. Devasenapathy Sthapathy Sons submitted our proposals, tax documents, cost estimates and a detailed presentation about how we would execute this project. With no expectations, we prayed to Lord Nataraja and submitted our tender," Srikanda Sthapathy recalls.<br />
<br />
After the scrutiny, we were contacted by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, and told that we would have to build the world's largest Nataraja sculpture in less than seven months, he says.</p>

<p>Twenty seven feet tall, 21 feet wide weighing 18 tonnes and priced at Rs. 10 crore (approx $1.2 million), this sculpture is inspired by the Chola-era Nataraja idols that were built by the Swamimalai Sthapathies of the Vishwakarma community, that Srikanda and his ancestors belong to.<br />
<br />
Swamimalai (Lord's Hill) is one of the abodes of Lord Murugan and is situated on the northern banks of river Cauvery. In addition to being a pilgrimage centre, the town is renowned for its bronze idols made by the Sthapathies, whose services were utilised by Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola for the construction of the Thanjavur Brihadeesawarar temple. It is said that the Sthapathies of the Viswakarama community have been passing on this ancient art form known as the 'lost-wax casting method', for more than 34 generations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining the process of making the mould, Srikanda said, "We begin by preparing a mixture of paraffin wax, resin and ground nut oil. When exposed to fire, this material becomes very flexible and the Sthapathi works on the wax model and divides the sculpture into 120 parts, of which the dimensions of the face, torso, limbs etc. are fixed as per the Shilpashastras (scriptures). Once the wax model is ready, we coat it with alluvial soil from the Cauvery River basin and dry it in the sun. We apply multiple coats of soil on the wax models to make the mould stronger and also reinforce it with metal wires and rods." he said. The clay mould so derived is then heated (thereby melting the wax within) and the wax is drained out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The empty mould (known as 'karuvu' in Tamil) is then heated, while the 'ashtadhatu' eight metals (in their apt proportion) that are to be used for the sculpture are melted in a crucible to a liquid form. As the mould becomes red hot, it is buried in the ground. With only the mouth of the mould visible above the ground, the molten metal is poured in and the mould is gradually allowed to cool. Later, the reinforcement rods and wires are removed and the mould is broken open and a rough sculpture is obtained. Thereafter, it is chiselled, filed, engraved and its finer details are worked upon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The traditional idols we offer for temples are 'Panchaloha' (a five-metal alloy of gold, silver, copper, zinc, iron), whereas the world's largest Nataraja is made using an eight-metal alloy (copper, brass, lead, tin, mercury, iron, gold and silver). Using an eight-metal alloy will ensure that this sculpture lives for centuries without any wear and tear. In fact, as it ages it would begin to radiate its antique colour and only become more mesmerising to the beholder,"&nbsp; Srikanda says confidently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We see this opportunity to build the world's largest Nataraja, as a great honour for the 40 families and nearly 600 artists of Swamimalai, who are carrying the legacy of a Chola-era art form. The Nataraja undisputedly belongs to Tamil Nadu and we can't be happier, as our Nataraja stands tall at the Bharat Mandapam G20 venue which will host world leaders," he adds.</p>

<p>About a week ago, a team of craftsmen from Swamimalai were in New Delhi to carry out the finishing touches for the sculpture, ensuring that it is displayed in its full glory, ahead of the G20 Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This statue of Nataraja, an important symbol of cosmic energy, creativity, and power, is going to be an attraction at the #G20 summit. This iconic project is carried out by the Ministry of Culture team IGNCA,"&nbsp;tweeted the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


As World leaders and delegates arrive in India for the G20 summit this weekend, a majestic 'Nataraja' sculpture that reflects a centuries-old royal art form from India, awaits them.

As World leaders and delegates arrive in India for the G20 summit this weekend, a majestic 'Nataraja' sculpture that reflects a centuries-old royal art form from India, awaits them. The world's largest idol of 'Nataraja' (Hindu God Shiva as the divine cosmic dancer) installed at the forecourt of the Bharat Mandapam G20 venue in New Delhi, traces its origins to Swamimalai in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, the land of the mighty Chola empire. WION spoke to Srikanda Sthapathy, the master craftsman in bronze castings, who along with his family and fellow artists sculpted the world's largest Nataraja idol in record time, ahead of the G20 summit. "It all began with a tendering process and detailed scrutiny. Our family-run firm S. Devasenapathy Sthapathy Sons submitted our proposals, tax documents, cost estimates and a detailed presentation about how we would execute this project. With no expectations, we prayed to Lord Nataraja and submitted our tender," Srikanda Sthapathy recalls. After the scrutiny, we were contacted by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, and told that we would have to build the world's largest Nataraja sculpture in less than seven months, he says. Twenty seven feet tall, 21 feet wide weighing 18 tonnes and priced at Rs. 10 crore (approx $1.2 million), this sculpture is inspired by the Chola-era Nataraja idols that were built by the Swamimalai Sthapathies of the Vishwakarma community, that Srikanda and his ancestors belong to. Swamimalai (Lord's Hill) is one of the abodes of Lord Murugan and is situated on the northern banks of river Cauvery. In addition to being a pilgrimage centre, the town is renowned for its bronze idols made by the Sthapathies, whose services were utilised by Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola for the construction of the Thanjavur Brihadeesawarar temple. It is said that the Sthapathies of the Viswakarama community have been passing on this ancient art form known as the 'lost-wax casting method', for more than 34 generations. Explaining the process of making the mould, Srikanda said, "We begin by preparing a mixture of paraffin wax, resin and ground nut oil. When exposed to fire, this material becomes very flexible and the Sthapathi works on the wax model and divides the sculpture into 120 parts, of which the dimensions of the face, torso, limbs etc. are fixed as per the Shilpashastras (scriptures). Once the wax model is ready, we coat it with alluvial soil from the Cauvery River basin and dry it in the sun. We apply multiple coats of soil on the wax models to make the mould stronger and also reinforce it with metal wires and rods." he said. The clay mould so derived is then heated (thereby melting the wax within) and the wax is drained out. The empty mould (known as 'karuvu' in Tamil) is then heated, while the 'ashtadhatu' eight metals (in their apt proportion) that are to be used for the sculpture are melted in a crucible to a liquid form. As the mould becomes red hot, it is buried in the ground. With only the mouth of the mould visible above the ground, the molten metal is poured in and the mould is gradually allowed to cool. Later, the reinforcement rods and wires are removed and the mould is broken open and a rough sculpture is obtained. Thereafter, it is chiselled, filed, engraved and its finer details are worked upon. "The traditional idols we offer for temples are 'Panchaloha' (a five-metal alloy of gold, silver, copper, zinc, iron), whereas the world's largest Nataraja is made using an eight-metal alloy (copper, brass, lead, tin, mercury, iron, gold and silver). Using an eight-metal alloy will ensure that this sculpture lives for centuries without any wear and tear. In fact, as it ages it would begin to radiate its antique colour and only become more mesmerising to the beholder," Srikanda says confidently. "We see this opportunity to build the world's largest Nataraja, as a great honour for the 40 families and nearly 600 artists of Swamimalai, who are carrying the legacy of a Chola-era art form. The Nataraja undisputedly belongs to Tamil Nadu and we can't be happier, as our Nataraja stands tall at the Bharat Mandapam G20 venue which will host world leaders," he adds. About a week ago, a team of craftsmen from Swamimalai were in New Delhi to carry out the finishing touches for the sculpture, ensuring that it is displayed in its full glory, ahead of the G20 Summit. "This statue of Nataraja, an important symbol of cosmic energy, creativity, and power, is going to be an attraction at the #G20 summit. This iconic project is carried out by the Ministry of Culture team IGNCA," tweeted the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: How Chola-era skill was used to sculpt 8-metal,18-tonne Nataraja idol, in 7 months

<p>India is a country with 1.4 billion people, yet, the voices of a few people remain etched in people's minds for eternity. Celebrities, politicians, sports personalities and even scientists are among this list. ISRO rocket launches are iconic events that bring the entire nation together and millions tune in to their TVs or devices to watch the live stream of the mission.</p>

<p>With a launch mission happening almost every month in 2023, ISRO live streams are closely watched by people in India and abroad. As one watches more of these launches, the voices of the officials featuring on the broadcast and the unique voice and manner in which they make their respective announcements (technically known as call-outs) become instantly recognisable. One such voice, that of ISRO scientist Valarmathi, has faded away.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The iconic &amp; powerful female voice behind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> rocket launch countdowns, has faded away for eternity...Valarmathi ma'am passed away at a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> hospital on Saturday evening, after a heart attack..<br />
<br />
She was last heard counting down on July 14th for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chandrayaan3</a> LVM3 🚀<br />
🙏💔😞 <a href="https://t.co/nOuO3x3HJ7">pic.twitter.com/nOuO3x3HJ7</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1698351499901067454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>She was the voice behind ISRO's pre-launch countdown announcements and had last announced on July 30th, when the PSLV-C56 rocket lifted off carrying 7 Singaporean satellites, as part of a dedicated commercial mission. As part of the Range Operations Programme Office at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, she had been making the countdown announcements for all launches, over the past six years or so, it is learnt. Aged in her fifties, she passed away on Saturday evening at a private hospital in Chennai, owing to a cardiac arrest. She had been unwell for a while.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For journalists like this author (who have been regularly reporting the Indian space programme and related launches from the spaceport), the voice of the ISRO scientists making the pre-launch and mission progress announcements are imprinted for eternity. As journalists stand atop the ISRO media centre terrace and report the launch mission, specifically the TV journalists tend to look into the camera and report the liftoff, as the rocket lifts off far away in the background. This is a moment of anxiety, as one does not have a direct view of the vehicle lifting off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Owing to the professional responsibility of having to look straight into the blackness of the video camera lens and 'speak to the audience directly', TV journalists do not have the luxury of watching the vehicle lifting off (more than five kilometres away), behind their backs. It is the voice of the announcing officials that offer all updates on the countdown, help perfectly time the Piece-to-Camera recordings and understand the launch mission progress etc. Therefore, their voices are permanently imprinted and become a part of life and work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thank you, Valarmathi ma'am, Your voice lives on for eternity, there's no countdown timer for it!&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India is a country with 1.4 billion people, yet, the voices of a few people remain etched in people's minds for eternity. Celebrities, politicians, sports personalities and even scientists are among this list.

India is a country with 1.4 billion people, yet, the voices of a few people remain etched in people's minds for eternity. Celebrities, politicians, sports personalities and even scientists are among this list. ISRO rocket launches are iconic events that bring the entire nation together and millions tune in to their TVs or devices to watch the live stream of the mission. With a launch mission happening almost every month in 2023, ISRO live streams are closely watched by people in India and abroad. As one watches more of these launches, the voices of the officials featuring on the broadcast and the unique voice and manner in which they make their respective announcements (technically known as call-outs) become instantly recognisable. One such voice, that of ISRO scientist Valarmathi, has faded away. The iconic & powerful female voice behind #isro rocket launch countdowns, has faded away for eternity...Valarmathi ma'am passed away at a #chennai hospital on Saturday evening, after a heart attack.. She was last heard counting down on July 14th for #chandrayaan3 LVM3 🚀 🙏💔😞 pic.twitter.com/nOuO3x3HJ7 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 3, 2023 × She was the voice behind ISRO's pre-launch countdown announcements and had last announced on July 30th, when the PSLV-C56 rocket lifted off carrying 7 Singaporean satellites, as part of a dedicated commercial mission. As part of the Range Operations Programme Office at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, she had been making the countdown announcements for all launches, over the past six years or so, it is learnt. Aged in her fifties, she passed away on Saturday evening at a private hospital in Chennai, owing to a cardiac arrest. She had been unwell for a while. For journalists like this author (who have been regularly reporting the Indian space programme and related launches from the spaceport), the voice of the ISRO scientists making the pre-launch and mission progress announcements are imprinted for eternity. As journalists stand atop the ISRO media centre terrace and report the launch mission, specifically the TV journalists tend to look into the camera and report the liftoff, as the rocket lifts off far away in the background. This is a moment of anxiety, as one does not have a direct view of the vehicle lifting off. Owing to the professional responsibility of having to look straight into the blackness of the video camera lens and 'speak to the audience directly', TV journalists do not have the luxury of watching the vehicle lifting off (more than five kilometres away), behind their backs. It is the voice of the announcing officials that offer all updates on the countdown, help perfectly time the Piece-to-Camera recordings and understand the launch mission progress etc. Therefore, their voices are permanently imprinted and become a part of life and work. Thank you, Valarmathi ma'am, Your voice lives on for eternity, there's no countdown timer for it! WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Valarmathi: The voice behind ISRO rocket launch countdown, fades away

<p>India's Aditya-L1 craft, the country's maiden mission to study the Sun has performed its maiden Orbit Raising Manoeuvre (fired its on-board engines to kick itself further away from earth). The craft was placed in an elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around the earth by a PSLV-XL rocket&nbsp;around 1 PM, Indian Standard Time on September 2nd.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian moon probe Chandrayaan-3 is being 'put to sleep' near the Lunar South Pole, as the Lunar night (fortnight-long on earth) fast approaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Aditya-L1 Mission: The satellite is healthy and operating nominally. The first Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#1) is performed successfully from ISTRAC, Bengaluru. The new orbit attained is 245km x 22459 km. The next maneuvre (EBN#2) is scheduled for&nbsp;September 5, 2023, around 03:00&nbsp;Hrs. IST" ISRO said on X, formerly known as Twitter on September 3rd.</p>

<p>"Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander. Currently, the battery is fully charged. The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected&nbsp;on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO posted on X on September 2nd.</p>

<p>While Aditya-L1 is a mission to study the sun, it would be travelling only 1 per cent&nbsp;of the Earth-Sun distance, unlike NASA's Parker Solar Probe&nbsp;that has flown a few million miles in the vicinity of the Sun.</p>

<p>The Earth-Sun distance is approximately 150 million kilometres.</p>

<p>The launch of Aditya-L1 comes barely 10 days after India soft-landed its Chandrayaan-3 craft (comprising a lander and rover) on the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but they are limited by the day-night cycle. So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to study the sun continuously, but each of these observatories would offer their own data&nbsp;(based on the unique characteristics of the equipment). Also, the earth's atmosphere and dust particles scatter the radiation coming in from the sun and affect the quality of the data" Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed near the Lunar South Pole on August 23rd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the last 11 days, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have been performing in-situ experiments with their respective payloads and sharing the data.</p>

<p>However, the end of the Lunar day time is closing in fast on the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. As the duo are solar-powered, they would not be able to function during the fortnight-long Lunar night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Chandrayaan-3 Lander and Rover are functional and our payload teams are doing all th work... The Rover has traversed a distance of 100meters from the lander..." Dr.S.Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, said following the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 solar observatory satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On average, the temperature during the Lunar day could be around 120degrees Centigrade(For earthlings - that's much more than the boiling point of water or more than twice the hottest recorded temperatures on earth), whereas the Lunar nights could get as cold as -130degrees Centigrade (that's almost twice the coldest temperature recorded on the Earth).</p>

<p>At the Lunar poles, these temperatures could be even more extreme and hostile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO mentioning that the Chandrayaan-3 rover is out to sleep and lander is to be put to sleep, shows that<br />
<br />
ISRO has the possible technological means and hope to make Vikram and Pragyan survive the Lunar night.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander detects unknown seismic activity on the moon</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-3s-vikram-lander-detects-unknown-seismic-activity-on-the-moon-631117/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Else, if the mission were to come to an end after the Lunar day, ISRO could have mentioned about bidding permanent goodbye to the lander and rover. By switching off all the on-board equipment and going into a hibernation mode and protecting itself from the cold (comparable to covering oneself using a blanket), ISRO could possibly ensure that Chandrayaan-3 survives the Lunar night.</p>

<p>When the Lunar dawn breaks next (around the third week of September),&nbsp;if and when the lander and rover survive, they could again harness the power of the Sun and charge their batteries and continue to carry out their operations.</p>

<p>Though a possibility, this could prove a serious bonus to ISRO's exploratory activities near the Lunar south pole region, which India temporarily has for itself to explore.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bedtime-for-pragyan-rover-as-sun-sets-on-moon-here-are-its-remarkable-findings-631874">Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings</a></strong></p>

<p>However, both the lander and rover have to survive the night for the duo to function normally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is because, the Lander craft is the primary and direct communication link with the earth.</p>

<p>If the lander cannot communicate directly, it could also use the services of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter to relay its communications to earth and receive new commands.</p>

<p>However, the 26-kg rover is entirely dependent on the lander to receive commands and carry out communications, data transfer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are hoping that after the Lunar night it will come back, but it is not assured. This is because, all systems will go to minus 150degrees Centigrade temperature, which is far beyond the survival limit of may materials used on the lander craft. By design it is meant to live for 14days, but if we are lucky, we may get longer" M. Sankaran, Director, ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre had told WION.<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's Aditya-L1 craft, the country's maiden mission to study the Sun has performed its maiden Orbit Raising Manoeuvre (fired its on-board engines to kick itself further away from earth).

India's Aditya-L1 craft, the country's maiden mission to study the Sun has performed its maiden Orbit Raising Manoeuvre (fired its on-board engines to kick itself further away from earth). The craft was placed in an elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around the earth by a PSLV-XL rocket around 1 PM, Indian Standard Time on September 2nd. Meanwhile, the Indian moon probe Chandrayaan-3 is being 'put to sleep' near the Lunar South Pole, as the Lunar night (fortnight-long on earth) fast approaches. "Aditya-L1 Mission: The satellite is healthy and operating nominally. The first Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#1) is performed successfully from ISTRAC, Bengaluru. The new orbit attained is 245km x 22459 km. The next maneuvre (EBN#2) is scheduled for September 5, 2023, around 03:00 Hrs. IST" ISRO said on X, formerly known as Twitter on September 3rd. "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander. Currently, the battery is fully charged. The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO posted on X on September 2nd. While Aditya-L1 is a mission to study the sun, it would be travelling only 1 per cent of the Earth-Sun distance, unlike NASA's Parker Solar Probe that has flown a few million miles in the vicinity of the Sun. The Earth-Sun distance is approximately 150 million kilometres. The launch of Aditya-L1 comes barely 10 days after India soft-landed its Chandrayaan-3 craft (comprising a lander and rover) on the moon. "Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but they are limited by the day-night cycle. So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to study the sun continuously, but each of these observatories would offer their own data (based on the unique characteristics of the equipment). Also, the earth's atmosphere and dust particles scatter the radiation coming in from the sun and affect the quality of the data" Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION. Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed near the Lunar South Pole on August 23rd. Over the last 11 days, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have been performing in-situ experiments with their respective payloads and sharing the data. However, the end of the Lunar day time is closing in fast on the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. As the duo are solar-powered, they would not be able to function during the fortnight-long Lunar night. "The Chandrayaan-3 Lander and Rover are functional and our payload teams are doing all th work... The Rover has traversed a distance of 100meters from the lander..." Dr.S.Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, said following the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 solar observatory satellite. On average, the temperature during the Lunar day could be around 120degrees Centigrade(For earthlings - that's much more than the boiling point of water or more than twice the hottest recorded temperatures on earth), whereas the Lunar nights could get as cold as -130degrees Centigrade (that's almost twice the coldest temperature recorded on the Earth). At the Lunar poles, these temperatures could be even more extreme and hostile. ISRO mentioning that the Chandrayaan-3 rover is out to sleep and lander is to be put to sleep, shows that ISRO has the possible technological means and hope to make Vikram and Pragyan survive the Lunar night. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander detects unknown seismic activity on the moon × Else, if the mission were to come to an end after the Lunar day, ISRO could have mentioned about bidding permanent goodbye to the lander and rover. By switching off all the on-board equipment and going into a hibernation mode and protecting itself from the cold (comparable to covering oneself using a blanket), ISRO could possibly ensure that Chandrayaan-3 survives the Lunar night. When the Lunar dawn breaks next (around the third week of September), if and when the lander and rover survive, they could again harness the power of the Sun and charge their batteries and continue to carry out their operations. Though a possibility, this could prove a serious bonus to ISRO's exploratory activities near the Lunar south pole region, which India temporarily has for itself to explore. Also read | Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings However, both the lander and rover have to survive the night for the duo to function normally. This is because, the Lander craft is the primary and direct communication link with the earth. If the lander cannot communicate directly, it could also use the services of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter to relay its communications to earth and receive new commands. However, the 26-kg rover is entirely dependent on the lander to receive commands and carry out communications, data transfer. "We are hoping that after the Lunar night it will come back, but it is not assured. This is because, all systems will go to minus 150degrees Centigrade temperature, which is far beyond the survival limit of may materials used on the lander craft. By design it is meant to live for 14days, but if we are lucky, we may get longer" M. Sankaran, Director, ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre had told WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As moon probe Chandrayaan-3 falls asleep, Sun probe Aditya-L1 is awake and kicking

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidharth MP

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.