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;

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>

"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;

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.

"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 |&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>

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;

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;

"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.&nbsp;

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.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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? 

The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon.

Just two days after India achieved the historic milestone with the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, an entrepreneur, and educator from Jammu and Kashmir made a unique purchase: land on the Moon.

<h2>The man who owns a piece of Moon</h2>

Rupesh Masson is a 49-year-old businessman from Jammu and Kashmir. Masson as per the Mint, also serves as the regional director of UCMAS for Jammu and Kashmir and Leh.

Talking to Hindustan Times (HT), Masson shared the details of his lunar property. He revealed that he has purchased land on "Luna Earths Moon, Tract 55-Parcel 10772 known as Lacus Felicitatis (Lake of Happiness)."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-pragyan-completes-7-days-on-moon-isro-chief-says-everything-is-working-fine-630988">Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’</a>

<h2>Why buy land on the Moon?</h2>

Masson told HT that the idea behind buying a plot on the Moon was linked to humanity's inherent curiosity about what lies out there.

"Ideas of occupying space on the moon are a reflection of our quest to see what lies beyond, which is itself a reflection of our quest for deeper meaning within ourselves," he said.

This lunar property was purchased from The Lunar Registry in New York City and was officially certified on August 25, according to Masson.

He said that the Moon represents a symbol of hope for the future and could also serve as a psychological escape hatch for humans facing the challenges of climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-latest-video-shows-chandrayaan-3-rover-pragyan-frolicking-in-the-yards-of-chandamama-watch-630900">Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!</a>

Masson believes that owning land on the Moon can provide a sense of preparedness for an uncertain future.&nbsp;

He also noted that approximately 675 celebrities and three former US presidents also own extraterrestrial land on the Moon and other planets.

<h2>Can I buy land on the Moon?</h2>

Yes, anyone can buy land on the moon. To do that, you can, like Masson, opt to buy plots from organisations like the Lunar Registry.&nbsp;

Currently, the price of a plot at Lacus Felicitatis — where Masson purchased land — is $29.07 per acre (₹2,405 per acre), as listed on the Lunar Registry website.&nbsp;

There are other locations, like the Sea of Rains and the Bay of Rainbows on the Moon, where land is available for purchase.&nbsp;

However, you will have to get in the queue. The success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission appears to have contributed to increased interest in purchasing lunar land.&nbsp;

The Lunar Registry has reported a surge in orders following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. Due to high demand, the company is facing delays in processing and fulfilling land ownership documents.&nbsp;

"Due to extremely high order volume following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, we are currently experiencing lengthy processing and fulfilment delays," said the company on its website.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon.

The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon. Just two days after India achieved the historic milestone with the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, an entrepreneur, and educator from Jammu and Kashmir made a unique purchase: land on the Moon. The man who owns a piece of Moon Rupesh Masson is a 49-year-old businessman from Jammu and Kashmir. Masson as per the Mint, also serves as the regional director of UCMAS for Jammu and Kashmir and Leh. Talking to Hindustan Times (HT), Masson shared the details of his lunar property. He revealed that he has purchased land on "Luna Earths Moon, Tract 55-Parcel 10772 known as Lacus Felicitatis (Lake of Happiness)." Also read | Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’ Why buy land on the Moon? Masson told HT that the idea behind buying a plot on the Moon was linked to humanity's inherent curiosity about what lies out there. "Ideas of occupying space on the moon are a reflection of our quest to see what lies beyond, which is itself a reflection of our quest for deeper meaning within ourselves," he said. This lunar property was purchased from The Lunar Registry in New York City and was officially certified on August 25, according to Masson. He said that the Moon represents a symbol of hope for the future and could also serve as a psychological escape hatch for humans facing the challenges of climate change. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch! Masson believes that owning land on the Moon can provide a sense of preparedness for an uncertain future. He also noted that approximately 675 celebrities and three former US presidents also own extraterrestrial land on the Moon and other planets. Can I buy land on the Moon? Yes, anyone can buy land on the moon. To do that, you can, like Masson, opt to buy plots from organisations like the Lunar Registry. Currently, the price of a plot at Lacus Felicitatis — where Masson purchased land — is $29.07 per acre (₹2,405 per acre), as listed on the Lunar Registry website. There are other locations, like the Sea of Rains and the Bay of Rainbows on the Moon, where land is available for purchase. However, you will have to get in the queue. The success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission appears to have contributed to increased interest in purchasing lunar land. The Lunar Registry has reported a surge in orders following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. Due to high demand, the company is facing delays in processing and fulfilling land ownership documents. "Due to extremely high order volume following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, we are currently experiencing lengthy processing and fulfilment delays," said the company on its website. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Indian man buys land on Moon. Here's how you can also own a piece of the celestial body

The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface.

Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru. This was done in search of a route that avoids craters and rocks on the moon's surface.

<h2>Chandamama</h2>

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said: "The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smile-please-chandrayaan-3s-pragyan-rover-shares-first-image-of-vikram-lander-after-successful-landing-630496">Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface</a>

Comparing the sight with that of a frolicking child, the Indian space agency said:&nbsp;"It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately.&nbsp;Isn't it?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera. 
 
It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately. 
Isn't it?🙂 <a href="https://t.co/w5FwFZzDMp">pic.twitter.com/w5FwFZzDMp</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697156752641536030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 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>

The latest update on India's moon mission comes just a day after ISRO announced that&nbsp;the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer of&nbsp;Pragyan&nbsp;— which means "wisdom" in Sanskrit — has discovered the presence of minor elements, including Sulphur, apart from the expected elements such as Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron.

<h2>Chandrayaan-3 mission</h2>

Chandrayaan-3 mission has made the India&nbsp;the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23)&nbsp;landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-completes-launch-rehearsal-of-saturdays-sun-mission-aditya-l1-630519">ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch</a>

The soft, textbook landing of the lander, following an unsuccessful attempt in 2019 — that failed during final descent, was met with immense joy and celebration in the world's most populous nation. India's media widely acclaimed this historic achievement as India's greatest scientific accomplishment.

The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to commence next week.&nbsp;Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface. Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru.

The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface. Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru. This was done in search of a route that avoids craters and rocks on the moon's surface. Chandamama Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said: "The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera." Also read | Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface Comparing the sight with that of a frolicking child, the Indian space agency said: "It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately. Isn't it?" Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera. It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately. Isn't it?🙂 pic.twitter.com/w5FwFZzDMp — ISRO (@isro) August 31, 2023 × The latest update on India's moon mission comes just a day after ISRO announced that the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer of Pragyan — which means "wisdom" in Sanskrit — has discovered the presence of minor elements, including Sulphur, apart from the expected elements such as Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron. Chandrayaan-3 mission Chandrayaan-3 mission has made the India the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23) landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission. Also read | ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch The soft, textbook landing of the lander, following an unsuccessful attempt in 2019 — that failed during final descent, was met with immense joy and celebration in the world's most populous nation. India's media widely acclaimed this historic achievement as India's greatest scientific accomplishment. The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to commence next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth. (With inputs from agencies) 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 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!

As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well.

Speaking to the press, the ISRO&nbsp;chairperson said: "Everything is working fine... All the data is coming through very well. Everything is working well. We are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-latest-video-shows-chandrayaan-3-rover-pragyan-frolicking-in-the-yards-of-chandamama-watch-630900">Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!</a>

Here's what he said. Listen in!

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | "Everything is working fine, and we are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed," says ISRO chairman S Somanath on Chandrayaan-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3Success?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3Success</a> <a href="https://t.co/zAsGzHI9TQ">pic.twitter.com/zAsGzHI9TQ</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1697270346569650635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 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>

This statement comes as the ISRO shared its latest update on Chandrayaan-3.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday (August 31st) the space agency revealed that the spacecraft has recorded what seems to be "natural" seismic activity.

<h2>Seismic activity on Moon</h2>

As per ISRO, the "seemingly natural" event was recorded on August 26, 2023 by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. On its website, the Indian Space Agency said that "the source of this event is currently under investigation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smile-please-chandrayaan-3s-pragyan-rover-shares-first-image-of-vikram-lander-after-successful-landing-630496">Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface</a>

On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, ISRO said, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments - Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3 Lander - the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon - has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
In-situ Scientific Experiments 
 
Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander 
-- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon -- 
has recorded the movements of Rover and other… <a href="https://t.co/Sjd5K14hPl">pic.twitter.com/Sjd5K14hPl</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697233941634396420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 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>

"Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," added the Indian space agency.

<h2>What is the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)?</h2>

The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) is one of the payloads onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander called Vikram.

As per ISRO, "ILSA comprises a cluster of six high-sensitivity accelerometers, which are indigenously fabricated using the Silicon Micromachining process. The core sensing element consists of a spring-mass system with comb-structured electrodes. External vibrations lead to a deflection of the spring, resulting in a change in capacitance which is converted into voltage."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-completes-launch-rehearsal-of-saturdays-sun-mission-aditya-l1-630519">ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch</a>

"ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events," it adds.

With Chandrayaan-3 mission, India has become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23)&nbsp;landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission.

The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to begin next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well.

As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well. Speaking to the press, the ISRO chairperson said: "Everything is working fine... All the data is coming through very well. Everything is working well. We are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed." Also read | Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch! Here's what he said. Listen in! VIDEO | "Everything is working fine, and we are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed," says ISRO chairman S Somanath on Chandrayaan-3.#Chandrayaan3Success pic.twitter.com/zAsGzHI9TQ — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 31, 2023 × This statement comes as the ISRO shared its latest update on Chandrayaan-3. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday (August 31st) the space agency revealed that the spacecraft has recorded what seems to be "natural" seismic activity. Seismic activity on Moon As per ISRO, the "seemingly natural" event was recorded on August 26, 2023 by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. On its website, the Indian Space Agency said that "the source of this event is currently under investigation." Also read | Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, ISRO said, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments - Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3 Lander - the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon - has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads." Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander -- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon -- has recorded the movements of Rover and other… pic.twitter.com/Sjd5K14hPl — ISRO (@isro) August 31, 2023 × "Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," added the Indian space agency. What is the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)? The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) is one of the payloads onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander called Vikram. As per ISRO, "ILSA comprises a cluster of six high-sensitivity accelerometers, which are indigenously fabricated using the Silicon Micromachining process. The core sensing element consists of a spring-mass system with comb-structured electrodes. External vibrations lead to a deflection of the spring, resulting in a change in capacitance which is converted into voltage." Also read | ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch "ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events," it adds. With Chandrayaan-3 mission, India has become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23) landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission. The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to begin next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth. (With inputs from agencies) 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: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’

The Pragyan Rover which is currently on the moon surveying the lunar surface shared the first&nbsp;image&nbsp;of Vikram Lander on Wednesday (August 30).&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a tweet shared the news. Its post with images on microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), read, "Smile, please! Pragyan Rover clicked an image of Vikram Lander this morning. The 'image of the mission' was taken by the Navigation Camera onboard the Rover (NavCam). NavCams for the Chandrayaan-3 Mission are developed by the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Beyond Borders, Across Moonscapes: 
India's Majesty knows no bounds!. 
 
Once more, co-traveller Pragyan captures Vikram in a Snap! 
 
This iconic snap was taken today around 11 am IST from about 15 m. 
 
The data from the NavCams is processed by SAC/ISRO, Ahmedabad. <a href="https://t.co/n0yvXenfdm">pic.twitter.com/n0yvXenfdm</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1696906614194807178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 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>

This comes as the Rover discovered several chemical elements on the lunar surface.&nbsp;

While conducting the experiments, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard found sulphur.&nbsp;

"These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of Sulphur (S) in the region unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters," it said.&nbsp;

Not only Sulphur (S), the LIBS also found the presence of aluminium&nbsp;(Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and titanium (Ti) on the lunar surface.&nbsp;The quest for Hydrogen is underway.&nbsp;

The lunar Rover is currently on a 14-day mission to study the moon. Until now, the mission has achieved two of its objectives: a demonstration of a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface and the rover roving on the moon. Conducting&nbsp;in-situ scientific experiments is underway. &nbsp;

<h2>What is Vikram Lander?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

Vikram is the lander of the Chandrayaan-3 softly landed on the south pole of the moon carrying the Pragyan rover. The lander has 4 payloads- RAMBHA to measure the near-surface plasma density, ChaSTE to measure the thermal properties of the soil, ILSA to measure the seismicity around the landing site and LRA to understand the dynamics of the lunar system.&nbsp;

Giving an update, the space agency said that all payloads are performing normally.

After 14 days, Vikram Lander and Pragyan could live&nbsp;longer&nbsp;if they survive the lunar night.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Pragyan Rover which is currently on the moon surveying the lunar surface shared the first image of Vikram Lander on Wednesday (August 30). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a tweet shared the news.

The Pragyan Rover which is currently on the moon surveying the lunar surface shared the first image of Vikram Lander on Wednesday (August 30). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a tweet shared the news. Its post with images on microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), read, "Smile, please! Pragyan Rover clicked an image of Vikram Lander this morning. The 'image of the mission' was taken by the Navigation Camera onboard the Rover (NavCam). NavCams for the Chandrayaan-3 Mission are developed by the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)." Beyond Borders, Across Moonscapes: India's Majesty knows no bounds!. Once more, co-traveller Pragyan captures Vikram in a Snap! This iconic snap was taken today around 11 am IST from about 15 m. The data from the NavCams is processed by SAC/ISRO, Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/n0yvXenfdm — ISRO (@isro) August 30, 2023 × This comes as the Rover discovered several chemical elements on the lunar surface. While conducting the experiments, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard found sulphur. "These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of Sulphur (S) in the region unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters," it said. Not only Sulphur (S), the LIBS also found the presence of aluminium (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and titanium (Ti) on the lunar surface. The quest for Hydrogen is underway. The lunar Rover is currently on a 14-day mission to study the moon. Until now, the mission has achieved two of its objectives: a demonstration of a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface and the rover roving on the moon. Conducting in-situ scientific experiments is underway. What is Vikram Lander? Vikram is the lander of the Chandrayaan-3 softly landed on the south pole of the moon carrying the Pragyan rover. The lander has 4 payloads- RAMBHA to measure the near-surface plasma density, ChaSTE to measure the thermal properties of the soil, ILSA to measure the seismicity around the landing site and LRA to understand the dynamics of the lunar system. Giving an update, the space agency said that all payloads are performing normally. After 14 days, Vikram Lander and Pragyan could live longer if they survive the lunar night. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface

As of August 23, three of four vehicles associated with India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing mission have done their job flawlessly - the LVM3 rocket (life of 16mins), propulsion module(continues to orbit the moon) and 'Vikram' lander module (safely near the Lunar South Pole). However, doubts are being raised about the status of the 26kg, 6-wheeled Lunar rover 'Pragyan'.&nbsp;

In the late hours of Wednesday, videos from within the ISRO Mission Operations Complex showed&nbsp;the operations team celebrating, as the rover stood on the ramp, just a push away from the lunar soil. However, ISRO hadn't yet officially released any pictures of the same. Wion has reliably learnt that the rover has been traversing safely the regions around the lander since 1:30 am (IST) on Thursday, August 24.&nbsp;

"Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
Chandrayaan-3 ROVER: 
Made in India 🇮🇳 
Made for the MOON🌖! 
The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and 
India took a walk on the moon ! 
More updates soon" ISRO tweeted at the time of filing this report. However, no images of the rover traversing the lunar surface have been shared so far.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
 
Chandrayaan-3 ROVER: 
Made in India 🇮🇳 
Made for the MOON🌖! 
 
The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and 
India took a walk on the moon ! 
 
More updates soon.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan_3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan_3</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ch3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ch3</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694545322251571687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 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>

It is said that the rover's wheels have the imprint of India's national emblem, an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In addition to this, there is also the ISRO logo on the rover wheels.&nbsp;

Therefore, just like Armstrong's first step on the Moon and its iconic image, there will be a long trail of&nbsp;Indian imprints in the region near the lunar South Pole, as Pragyan has 14 earth days to enjoy the ride around its home and carry out experiments. The imprints left on lunar soil remain unchanged, as the moon does not have water, wind, weather changes, weathering processes and vegetation like Earth. Therefore, every imprint on the talcum powder-like lunar soil will remain for eternity.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As of August 23, three of four vehicles associated with India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing mission have done their job flawlessly - the LVM3 rocket (life of 16mins), propulsion module(continues to orbit the moon) and 'Vikram' lander module (safely near the Lunar South Pole).

As of August 23, three of four vehicles associated with India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing mission have done their job flawlessly - the LVM3 rocket (life of 16mins), propulsion module(continues to orbit the moon) and 'Vikram' lander module (safely near the Lunar South Pole). However, doubts are being raised about the status of the 26kg, 6-wheeled Lunar rover 'Pragyan'. In the late hours of Wednesday, videos from within the ISRO Mission Operations Complex showed the operations team celebrating, as the rover stood on the ramp, just a push away from the lunar soil. However, ISRO hadn't yet officially released any pictures of the same. Wion has reliably learnt that the rover has been traversing safely the regions around the lander since 1:30 am (IST) on Thursday, August 24. "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Chandrayaan-3 ROVER: Made in India 🇮🇳 Made for the MOON🌖! The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and India took a walk on the moon ! More updates soon" ISRO tweeted at the time of filing this report. However, no images of the rover traversing the lunar surface have been shared so far. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Chandrayaan-3 ROVER: Made in India 🇮🇳 Made for the MOON🌖! The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and India took a walk on the moon ! More updates soon.#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 — ISRO (@isro) August 24, 2023 × It is said that the rover's wheels have the imprint of India's national emblem, an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In addition to this, there is also the ISRO logo on the rover wheels. Therefore, just like Armstrong's first step on the Moon and its iconic image, there will be a long trail of Indian imprints in the region near the lunar South Pole, as Pragyan has 14 earth days to enjoy the ride around its home and carry out experiments. The imprints left on lunar soil remain unchanged, as the moon does not have water, wind, weather changes, weathering processes and vegetation like Earth. Therefore, every imprint on the talcum powder-like lunar soil will remain for eternity. 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: Pragyan rover traversing Moon since 1:30 am Thursday - Exclusive