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<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's lander&nbsp;Vikram,&nbsp;and the Pragyan rover resting on the Moon. <strong><a href="https://moonandbeyond.blog/chandrayaan-3-vikram-lander-pragyan-rover/">Blog post on Moon and Beyond</a></strong> (a blog run by independent researcher Chandra)&nbsp;on Wednesday (May 1) said that&nbsp;the new images were captured&nbsp;on March 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following a successful touchdown at ShivShakti Statio, the Vikram Lander from Chandrayaan-3 deployed its rover, Pragyan, to navigate the cratered lunar surface," the blog post said.</p>

<p>"Equipped with integrated cameras, Pragyan transmitted video footage of its surroundings and commenced its research tasks, designated for a two-week exploration mission," it added.</p>

<p>On August 25 last year, ISRO reported that&nbsp;Pragyan had covered a distance of eight meters shortly after deployment. By the conclusion of its mission, the rover had successfully traversed approximately 101 metres.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vikram and Pragyan: India's lunar ambassadors, now captured in images by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> OHRC. latest image released by <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> shows it completely deployed and lying beside the lander. This new image was captured at an ultra-high resolution of 17cm! more details on my blog below👇 <a href="https://t.co/UhhEGUijAR">pic.twitter.com/UhhEGUijAR</a></p>
— Chandra (tckb) (@this_is_tckb) <a href="https://twitter.com/this_is_tckb/status/1785878807557099996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission,&nbsp;Vikram and Pragyan did not withstand the harsh conditions of the Moon's southern environment and were presumed non-operational. Though the Indian space agency released images of Vikram lander on August 23, 2023, the exact location of Pragyan's final resting place remained unclear.</p>

<p>"Today, for the first time, we can clearly see the little Pragyan positioned right beside Vikram," the post added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high-resolution image captured on March 15 this year showed significantly greater detail than last year's&nbsp;image shared by ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest image was obtained from a reduced altitude of&nbsp;approximately 65 kilometres, allowing for a resolution of about&nbsp;17&nbsp;cm, compared to the initial post-landing image captured at the regular altitude of 100 kilometres with a resolution of 26 cm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The difference in resolution is markedly apparent when observing these two images side by side; details such as the crater contours are&nbsp;exceptionally visible," the post added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's lander Vikram, and the Pragyan rover resting on the Moon. Blog post on Moon and Beyond (a blog run by independent researcher Chandra) on Wednesday (May 1) said that the new images were captured on March 15.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's lander Vikram, and the Pragyan rover resting on the Moon. Blog post on Moon and Beyond (a blog run by independent researcher Chandra) on Wednesday (May 1) said that the new images were captured on March 15. "Following a successful touchdown at ShivShakti Statio, the Vikram Lander from Chandrayaan-3 deployed its rover, Pragyan, to navigate the cratered lunar surface," the blog post said. "Equipped with integrated cameras, Pragyan transmitted video footage of its surroundings and commenced its research tasks, designated for a two-week exploration mission," it added. On August 25 last year, ISRO reported that Pragyan had covered a distance of eight meters shortly after deployment. By the conclusion of its mission, the rover had successfully traversed approximately 101 metres. Vikram and Pragyan: India's lunar ambassadors, now captured in images by #Chandrayaan2 OHRC. latest image released by @isro shows it completely deployed and lying beside the lander. This new image was captured at an ultra-high resolution of 17cm! more details on my blog below👇 pic.twitter.com/UhhEGUijAR — Chandra (tckb) (@this_is_tckb) May 2, 2024 × Despite the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Vikram and Pragyan did not withstand the harsh conditions of the Moon's southern environment and were presumed non-operational. Though the Indian space agency released images of Vikram lander on August 23, 2023, the exact location of Pragyan's final resting place remained unclear. "Today, for the first time, we can clearly see the little Pragyan positioned right beside Vikram," the post added. The high-resolution image captured on March 15 this year showed significantly greater detail than last year's image shared by ISRO. The latest image was obtained from a reduced altitude of approximately 65 kilometres, allowing for a resolution of about 17 cm, compared to the initial post-landing image captured at the regular altitude of 100 kilometres with a resolution of 26 cm. "The difference in resolution is markedly apparent when observing these two images side by side; details such as the crater contours are exceptionally visible," the post added. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO captures high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, Pragyan rover resting on Moon

<p>After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the name "Shiv Shakti" for Chandrayaan 3's moon lander landing site six months ago, it has now been officially recognised by the internationally acknowledged organisation responsible for naming celestial objects.</p>

<p>International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature on Tuesday (Mar 19) approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan’s Vikram lander.</p>

<h2><strong>India's lunar win: Chandrayaan 3 mission</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan 3, India's third lunar expedition, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 14. A month later, on August 23, the Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover successfully made a lunar touchdown. This groundbreaking feat established India as the first nation to land in close proximity to the lunar South Pole and only the fourth to accomplish a controlled landing on the moon.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/data-lab-with-a-budget-less-than-hollywoods-interstellar-indias-moon-mission-is-gaining-momentum-628393">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | With a budget less than Hollywood's 'Interstellar', India's Chandrayaan-3 is a big success</a></p>

<p>After exploring the lunar surface for 10 days, both the lander and rover transitioned into sleep mode. Meanwhile, the propulsion module remained in lunar orbit following its separation from the lander.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the term Shiv Shakti signify?</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 26 that the landing area designated for Chandrayaan 3's lunar module would be referred to as Shiv Shakti.</p>

<p>"In Shiv, there is resolution for the welfare of humanity, and Shakti gives us strength to fulfil those resolutions," said Modi, while announcing the name.</p>

<p>The IAU's Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which officially published the name, described it as a combination of terms from Indian mythology symbolising the dual nature of masculinity ("Shiva") and femininity ("Shakti").</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey</strong></p>

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<p>Planetary nomenclature, akin to naming geographical features on Earth, serves the purpose of identifying and referring to specific locations on planets and moons. Established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 1919, this catalogue includes names designated to various sites on celestial bodies, facilitating scientists in locating and describing these features effectively.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the name "Shiv Shakti" for Chandrayaan 3's moon lander landing site six months ago, it has now been officially recognised by the internationally acknowledged organisation responsible for naming celestial objects.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the name "Shiv Shakti" for Chandrayaan 3's moon lander landing site six months ago, it has now been officially recognised by the internationally acknowledged organisation responsible for naming celestial objects. International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature on Tuesday (Mar 19) approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan’s Vikram lander. India's lunar win: Chandrayaan 3 mission Chandrayaan 3, India's third lunar expedition, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 14. A month later, on August 23, the Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover successfully made a lunar touchdown. This groundbreaking feat established India as the first nation to land in close proximity to the lunar South Pole and only the fourth to accomplish a controlled landing on the moon. Also read | Data Lab | With a budget less than Hollywood's 'Interstellar', India's Chandrayaan-3 is a big success After exploring the lunar surface for 10 days, both the lander and rover transitioned into sleep mode. Meanwhile, the propulsion module remained in lunar orbit following its separation from the lander. What does the term Shiv Shakti signify? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 26 that the landing area designated for Chandrayaan 3's lunar module would be referred to as Shiv Shakti. "In Shiv, there is resolution for the welfare of humanity, and Shakti gives us strength to fulfil those resolutions," said Modi, while announcing the name. The IAU's Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which officially published the name, described it as a combination of terms from Indian mythology symbolising the dual nature of masculinity ("Shiva") and femininity ("Shakti"). Also watch | Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey Planetary nomenclature, akin to naming geographical features on Earth, serves the purpose of identifying and referring to specific locations on planets and moons. Established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 1919, this catalogue includes names designated to various sites on celestial bodies, facilitating scientists in locating and describing these features effectively. (With inputs from agencies)

It’s official: Chandrayaan-3 landing site will now be called ‘Shiv Shakti’

<p>This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.</p>

<p>Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries.</p>

<p>ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment.</p>

<p>"For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing</strong></p>

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<p>India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration.</p>

<p>"NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-moon-sniper-spacecraft-touches-down-on-lunar-surface-681656">Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power</a></strong></p>

<p>Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turkeys-first-astronaut-launched-on-flight-to-international-space-station-681841">Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station</a></strong></p>

<p>"NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.

This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list. Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries. ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment. "For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement. Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing × India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration. "NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said. Also Read | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole. Also Read | Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station "NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon 

<p>Scientists are holding onto hope as temperatures rise on the Moon, anticipating the revival of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover until the next lunar sunset on October 6.&nbsp;This effectively means ISRO has extended its wait for another 14 days, hoping for the revival of the lander and the rover.</p>

<p>As the Sun graced the lunar horizon, efforts to reawaken these dormant spacecraft commenced, marking the potential beginning of a "bonus" phase for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, reported the Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>However, amidst this optimism, uncertainty looms regarding the timing of contact re-establishment with these instruments.</p>

<p>ISRO Chairman S Somanath acknowledged&nbsp;the unpredictability of this task, stating, "We don’t know when it will wake up. It could be tomorrow, or it could also be on the final day of the lunar day. But we are trying. It will be a great achievement if the lander and rover wake up.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/data-lab-with-a-budget-less-than-hollywoods-interstellar-indias-moon-mission-is-gaining-momentum-628393">Data Lab | With a budget less than Hollywood's 'Interstellar', India's Chandrayaan-3 is a big success</a></p>

<h2><strong>Surviving lunar night</strong></h2>

<p>The lander and rover face the harsh challenge of surviving a lunar night that spans 14 Earth days.</p>

<p>During this period, they endure complete darkness and plummeting temperatures, reaching as low as -200 to -250 degrees Celsius — a harsh environment for their batteries, which store vital power.</p>

<p>Somanath reassured that while the rover has been thoroughly tested to withstand these extreme temperatures, the lander Vikram, which faltered in its previous mission, has not.</p>

<p>However, the similarities in design between Pragyaan and Vikram offer hope that the survival strategies employed for the rover could also benefit the lander.</p>

<p>ISRO meticulously prepared for the revival attempts, ensuring that before their slumber, the instruments had fully charged batteries and solar panels optimised to receive sunlight immediately upon sunrise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the best-case scenario, when the commands are sent to awaken the lander and rover, the rover will once again traverse the lunar surface, while the equipment aboard the lander will recommence its data collection process.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 is the theme for a Ganesh pandal in India</strong></p>

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<p>Teams at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) have embarked on the task of feeding commands to revive these instruments. Success in recharging these machines could extend the mission's lifespan, allowing scientists to accumulate additional valuable lunar samples.</p>

<p>The Chandrayaan-3 mission marked a historic feat on August 23 when ISRO's spacecraft successfully landed near the lunar south pole.&nbsp;</p>

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Scientists are holding onto hope as temperatures rise on the Moon, anticipating the revival of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover until the next lunar sunset on October 6.

Scientists are holding onto hope as temperatures rise on the Moon, anticipating the revival of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover until the next lunar sunset on October 6. This effectively means ISRO has extended its wait for another 14 days, hoping for the revival of the lander and the rover. As the Sun graced the lunar horizon, efforts to reawaken these dormant spacecraft commenced, marking the potential beginning of a "bonus" phase for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, reported the Hindustan Times. However, amidst this optimism, uncertainty looms regarding the timing of contact re-establishment with these instruments. ISRO Chairman S Somanath acknowledged the unpredictability of this task, stating, "We don’t know when it will wake up. It could be tomorrow, or it could also be on the final day of the lunar day. But we are trying. It will be a great achievement if the lander and rover wake up.” Also read | Data Lab | With a budget less than Hollywood's 'Interstellar', India's Chandrayaan-3 is a big success Surviving lunar night The lander and rover face the harsh challenge of surviving a lunar night that spans 14 Earth days. During this period, they endure complete darkness and plummeting temperatures, reaching as low as -200 to -250 degrees Celsius — a harsh environment for their batteries, which store vital power. Somanath reassured that while the rover has been thoroughly tested to withstand these extreme temperatures, the lander Vikram, which faltered in its previous mission, has not. However, the similarities in design between Pragyaan and Vikram offer hope that the survival strategies employed for the rover could also benefit the lander. ISRO meticulously prepared for the revival attempts, ensuring that before their slumber, the instruments had fully charged batteries and solar panels optimised to receive sunlight immediately upon sunrise. In the best-case scenario, when the commands are sent to awaken the lander and rover, the rover will once again traverse the lunar surface, while the equipment aboard the lander will recommence its data collection process. Also watch | ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 is the theme for a Ganesh pandal in India Teams at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) have embarked on the task of feeding commands to revive these instruments. Success in recharging these machines could extend the mission's lifespan, allowing scientists to accumulate additional valuable lunar samples. The Chandrayaan-3 mission marked a historic feat on August 23 when ISRO's spacecraft successfully landed near the lunar south pole. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: ISRO extends wait, giving Pragyaan rover, Vikram lander 14 more days to awaken on lunar surface

<p>Taking a step ahead in its Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday made efforts to establish communication with the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander to understand their wake-up condition, however, they did not receive any signal as of yet. The Indian Space Agency, however, stated that it will continue to make efforts to establish contact with them.</p>

<p>"Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Efforts have been made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to ascertain their wake-up condition. As of now, no signals have been received from them. Efforts to establish contact will continue," wrote ISRO on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-sun-has-risen-india-awaits-possible-re-awakening-of-chandrayaan-3-638209">Explained | Sun has risen: India awaits possible re-awakening of Chandrayaan-3</a></p>

<h2><strong>Plan to wake up Vikram lander and Pragyan rover postponed</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier it was reported, that the plans of waking up the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on the Moon have been postponed by the space agency. Originally, it had planned to reactivate both the spacecraft on the evening of September 22, 2023, however, because of some reasons, the ISRO later decided to postpone the attempt to September 23.</p>

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Efforts have been made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to ascertain their wake-up condition.<br />
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As of now, no signals have been received from them.<br />
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Efforts to establish contact will continue.</p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1705209835783078092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to the Indian news agency ANI, Director of Space Applications Centre Nilesh Desai said that the delay was important to ensure the spacecraft's safety. He stated that tests and simulations are still being conducted by ISRO to ensure that the reactivation procedure turns out to be successful.</p>

<p>"Earlier we planned to reactivate the (Pragyan) rover and (Vikram) lander on the evening of 22nd September, but due to some reasons we will now do it tomorrow on September 23," Desai stated. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, which landed successfully on the surface of the moon on August 23, at a location which was given the name 'Shiv Shakti Point', is likely to now be reactivated on September 23.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: After soft-landing on moon, ISRO to study sun from afar</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, the scientists placed the rover and lander in sleep mode after conducting experiments successfully on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pragyan rover went into sleep mode on September 2, which was followed by the Vikram lander on September 4.</p>

<p>When the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover were in the operational phase, they executed numerous lunar experiments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After covering a distance of over 100 meters on the lunar surface, the Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of Sulphur (S) in the lunar surface near the moon's south pole.&nbsp;</p>

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Taking a step ahead in its Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday made efforts to establish communication with the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander to understand their wake-up condition, however, they did not receive any signal as of yet.

Taking a step ahead in its Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday made efforts to establish communication with the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander to understand their wake-up condition, however, they did not receive any signal as of yet. The Indian Space Agency, however, stated that it will continue to make efforts to establish contact with them. "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Efforts have been made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to ascertain their wake-up condition. As of now, no signals have been received from them. Efforts to establish contact will continue," wrote ISRO on X (formerly Twitter). ALSO READ | Explained | Sun has risen: India awaits possible re-awakening of Chandrayaan-3 Plan to wake up Vikram lander and Pragyan rover postponed Earlier it was reported, that the plans of waking up the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on the Moon have been postponed by the space agency. Originally, it had planned to reactivate both the spacecraft on the evening of September 22, 2023, however, because of some reasons, the ISRO later decided to postpone the attempt to September 23. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Efforts have been made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to ascertain their wake-up condition. As of now, no signals have been received from them. Efforts to establish contact will continue. — ISRO (@isro) September 22, 2023 × Speaking to the Indian news agency ANI, Director of Space Applications Centre Nilesh Desai said that the delay was important to ensure the spacecraft's safety. He stated that tests and simulations are still being conducted by ISRO to ensure that the reactivation procedure turns out to be successful. "Earlier we planned to reactivate the (Pragyan) rover and (Vikram) lander on the evening of 22nd September, but due to some reasons we will now do it tomorrow on September 23," Desai stated. Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, which landed successfully on the surface of the moon on August 23, at a location which was given the name 'Shiv Shakti Point', is likely to now be reactivated on September 23. WATCH | Chandrayaan-3: After soft-landing on moon, ISRO to study sun from afar Earlier this month, the scientists placed the rover and lander in sleep mode after conducting experiments successfully on the lunar surface. The Pragyan rover went into sleep mode on September 2, which was followed by the Vikram lander on September 4. When the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover were in the operational phase, they executed numerous lunar experiments. After covering a distance of over 100 meters on the lunar surface, the Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of Sulphur (S) in the lunar surface near the moon's south pole. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

ISRO makes efforts to establish communication with Vikram lander, Pragyan rover

<p>Chandrayaan-3: India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon’s surface successfully on August 23. Since then, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted studies on the surface and revealed various findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the in-situ experiments on the lunar surface were conducted in a span of 14 Earth days, after which the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover were put to sleep mode on September 4. The lander and rover are expected to awake around September 22, as per the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-words-socialist-and-secular-missing-from-new-constitution-copies-ruling-party-responds-637772">Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds</a></p>

<h2><strong>Will Vikram lander wake up again on September 22?</strong></h2>

<p>The Pragyan rover was put on sleep mode with the sunset on the moon. The data from all the payloads was transmitted to the Earth via Vikram lander, ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The battery of Chandrayaan-3 is fully charged and the solar panel will receive the light at the next sunrise on the Moon expected on September 22. Vikram and Pragyan were designed to have one lunar day lifetime (i.e. 14 Earth days), but&nbsp;they might still wake up on the next sunrise. And if they do not wake on September 22, then&nbsp;they will "forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO wrote on X.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-other-allies-refused-to-join-canada-in-condemning-india-over-hardeep-singh-nijjars-death-report-637744">US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report</a></p>

<p>While Vikram lander remained at the position where it landed, the Pragyan rover rolled out of the lander hours after landing and started taking a walk on the lunar soil - being the first ever to tread on the South Pole of&nbsp;the Moon.</p>

<h2><strong>Why was Vikram lander put to sleep?</strong></h2>

<p>Vikram lander was put in sleep mode on September 4 so it could survive the harsh environment of the lunar night. On lunar night, which lasts for 14 days, the Moon is filled with immense darkness and freezing temperatures of nearly -200 degrees. It is quite unlikely for technical equipment to survive in such a harsh climate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-a-brain-altering-parasite-turns-ants-into-zombies-637765">Study says a brain-altering parasite turns ants into 'zombies'</a></p>

<p>Pragyan rover is equipped with heaters, called radioisotope heater units (RHU), which work passively, radiating heat to keep the hardware onboard spacecraft at sustainable operating temperatures. These heaters are an essential part of space missions that convert heat generated from the natural decay of radioactive versions of plutonium or polonium into electrical power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chandrayaan-3: India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon’s surface successfully on August 23. Since then, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted studies on the surface and revealed various findings.

Chandrayaan-3: India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon’s surface successfully on August 23. Since then, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted studies on the surface and revealed various findings. All the in-situ experiments on the lunar surface were conducted in a span of 14 Earth days, after which the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover were put to sleep mode on September 4. The lander and rover are expected to awake around September 22, as per the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Also Read | Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds Will Vikram lander wake up again on September 22? The Pragyan rover was put on sleep mode with the sunset on the moon. The data from all the payloads was transmitted to the Earth via Vikram lander, ISRO said. The battery of Chandrayaan-3 is fully charged and the solar panel will receive the light at the next sunrise on the Moon expected on September 22. Vikram and Pragyan were designed to have one lunar day lifetime (i.e. 14 Earth days), but they might still wake up on the next sunrise. And if they do not wake on September 22, then they will "forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," ISRO wrote on X. Also Read | US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report While Vikram lander remained at the position where it landed, the Pragyan rover rolled out of the lander hours after landing and started taking a walk on the lunar soil - being the first ever to tread on the South Pole of the Moon. Why was Vikram lander put to sleep? Vikram lander was put in sleep mode on September 4 so it could survive the harsh environment of the lunar night. On lunar night, which lasts for 14 days, the Moon is filled with immense darkness and freezing temperatures of nearly -200 degrees. It is quite unlikely for technical equipment to survive in such a harsh climate. Also Read | Study says a brain-altering parasite turns ants into 'zombies' Pragyan rover is equipped with heaters, called radioisotope heater units (RHU), which work passively, radiating heat to keep the hardware onboard spacecraft at sustainable operating temperatures. These heaters are an essential part of space missions that convert heat generated from the natural decay of radioactive versions of plutonium or polonium into electrical power. (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: Will Vikram lander wake up on Sep 22 after lunar night? Here's what can happen next

<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>

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<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>
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<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>

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<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>
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<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>

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<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>

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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>A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus&nbsp;— meaning that Biden will be able to visit&nbsp;India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit. India's lunar glory's photographic symbolism continues to elevate its scientific legend after NASA orbiter spotted Vikram Lander about 600km from Moon's south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, pop star Joe Jonas and <em>Game of Thrones </em>fame Sophie Turner&nbsp;— whom Indians identify as their homegrown international star Priyanka Chopra's sister-in-law or&nbsp;<em>jethaani</em> — have filed for divorce.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-tests-covid-negative-all-set-to-visit-india-for-g20-632768"><strong>US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377799-biden-2.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden will be travelling to India for the upcoming G20 Summit in the capital New Delhi as he has tested negative for COVID-19, the White House has confirmed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-image-of-indias-vikram-lander-on-moon-spotted-by-its-lunar-orbiter-632774"><strong>NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377804-untitled-design-2023-09-06t094818722.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-california-lawmakers-outlaw-caste-discrimination-632760"><strong>In a first, California lawmakers outlaw caste discrimination</strong></a></p>

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<p>California lawmakers have passed a bill that outlaws caste-based discrimination in the state. If the legislation becomes law, then it will become the first US state to enforce such a rule that has traditionally existed in South Asian communities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cleared-of-wrongful-rape-conviction-after-47-years-man-hugs-judge-cries-im-free-632763"><strong>Watch | Cleared of wrongful rape conviction after 47 years, man hugs judge, cries 'I'm free'</strong></a></p>

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Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old&nbsp;Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago.&nbsp;<br />
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A latest conspiracy theory about the disappearance of MH370 has claimed that the Malaysian Airlines-operated plane has been found in the dense forests of Cambodia. Over the weekend, British tabloids&nbsp;published a video producer's claims&nbsp;that he found a plane in the Pursat Province of the East Asian nation while scanning through satellite imagery on Google Maps.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-joe-jonas-and-sophie-turner-officially-file-for-divorce-ending-four-year-marriage-632740"><strong>Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner officially file for divorce, ending four-year marriage</strong></a></p>

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Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have officially filed for divorce after four years of marriage. The news came as a shock to many fans who had followed the couple's journey from their initial meeting through social media to the birth of their two daughters. According to documents obtained by People, the divorce filing states that "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken," marking the end of a four-year union that had captured the public's attention. It appears that they have a prenuptial agreement in place, which could potentially simplify the division of assets and property.<br />
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-colombo-to-remain-host-for-remaining-super-four-games-and-final-as-scheduled-632766"><strong>Asia Cup: Colombo to remain host for remaining Super Four games and final as scheduled</strong></a><br />
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<p>The five matches of Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted in Colombo as originally scheduled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, seems to be miffed with the decision and the manner in which the decision was taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB, nonetheless, has agreed to the decision.</p>

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A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus — meaning that Biden will be able to visit India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit.

A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus — meaning that Biden will be able to visit India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit. India's lunar glory's photographic symbolism continues to elevate its scientific legend after NASA orbiter spotted Vikram Lander about 600km from Moon's south pole. In other news, pop star Joe Jonas and Game of Thrones fame Sophie Turner — whom Indians identify as their homegrown international star Priyanka Chopra's sister-in-law or jethaani — have filed for divorce. Click on the headlines to read more: US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit US President Joe Biden will be travelling to India for the upcoming G20 Summit in the capital New Delhi as he has tested negative for COVID-19, the White House has confirmed. NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23. Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. In a first, California lawmakers outlaw caste discrimination California lawmakers have passed a bill that outlaws caste-based discrimination in the state. If the legislation becomes law, then it will become the first US state to enforce such a rule that has traditionally existed in South Asian communities. Watch | Cleared of wrongful rape conviction after 47 years, man hugs judge, cries 'I'm free' Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago. Fact check: Did MH370 crash in Cambodian jungle as viral reports claim? A latest conspiracy theory about the disappearance of MH370 has claimed that the Malaysian Airlines-operated plane has been found in the dense forests of Cambodia. Over the weekend, British tabloids published a video producer's claims that he found a plane in the Pursat Province of the East Asian nation while scanning through satellite imagery on Google Maps. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner officially file for divorce, ending four-year marriage Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have officially filed for divorce after four years of marriage. The news came as a shock to many fans who had followed the couple's journey from their initial meeting through social media to the birth of their two daughters. According to documents obtained by People, the divorce filing states that "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken," marking the end of a four-year union that had captured the public's attention. It appears that they have a prenuptial agreement in place, which could potentially simplify the division of assets and property. Asia Cup: Colombo to remain host for remaining Super Four games and final as scheduled The five matches of Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted in Colombo as originally scheduled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, seems to be miffed with the decision and the manner in which the decision was taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB, nonetheless, has agreed to the decision. 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.

Morning brief: Biden all-cleared to visit India for G20, NASA shares image of Vikram lander, and more

<p>India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander.</p>

<p>Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touched down on August 23, and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) flew over the landing site four days later, providing a distant view with its LRO Camera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA released the image, with the lander appearing small against the moon's textured landscape, yet the mission's impact is evident.</p>

<p>NASA marked the landing site with a white square, and within it, one can spot Vikram represented by a dark shadow surrounded by lighter material, created by the rocket plume interacting with lunar soil during landing.<img alt="The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imaged the Chandrayaan-3 landing site on the Moon’s surface " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0c67876-f251-48f0-9e68-33ec3e604914" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-06T094059.926.png" /></p>

<p><em>The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imaged the Chandrayaan-3 landing site on the Moon’s surface | NASA Artemis</em><br />
<br />
Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved its primary objective by demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission's predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, crashed during its landing attempt in 2019, witnessed by LRO, which captured the debris field. This stands in contrast to the new image of the intact Chandrayaan-3 lander.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it’s bedtime for Chandrayaan-3's&nbsp;rover Pragyan&nbsp;after a ten-day exploration spree on the lunar surface and completing all its assignments.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan 3: Vikram lander exceeds Chandrayaan-3 mission goals, with a hop</strong></p>

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<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," India's space agency posted on X last week.</p>

<h2><b>Chandrayaan-3: ISRO's next focus</b></h2>

<p>ISRO’s next focus will be to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22.<br />
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Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light.</p>

<p>“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,” the ISRO posted.&nbsp;</p>

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India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23.

India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23. Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touched down on August 23, and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) flew over the landing site four days later, providing a distant view with its LRO Camera. NASA released the image, with the lander appearing small against the moon's textured landscape, yet the mission's impact is evident. NASA marked the landing site with a white square, and within it, one can spot Vikram represented by a dark shadow surrounded by lighter material, created by the rocket plume interacting with lunar soil during landing. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imaged the Chandrayaan-3 landing site on the Moon’s surface | NASA Artemis Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved its primary objective by demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing. The mission's predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, crashed during its landing attempt in 2019, witnessed by LRO, which captured the debris field. This stands in contrast to the new image of the intact Chandrayaan-3 lander. Meanwhile, it’s bedtime for Chandrayaan-3's rover Pragyan after a ten-day exploration spree on the lunar surface and completing all its assignments. Also watch | Chandrayaan 3: Vikram lander exceeds Chandrayaan-3 mission goals, with a hop × "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," India's space agency posted on X last week. Chandrayaan-3: ISRO's next focus ISRO’s next focus will be to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light. “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,” the ISRO posted. 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.

NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has been set into sleep mode. This significant development took place at approximately 8 am IST on Monday (September 4). This comes as the Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives and made a second soft landing on the surface of the moon, as a part of a 'hop experiment.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>While sharing the images of the Vikram lander before and after the hop, ISRO in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), wrote, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Vikram Lander is set into sleep mode around 08:00 Hrs. IST today. Prior to that, in-situ experiments by ChaSTE, RAMBHA-LP and ILSA payloads are performed at the new location."</p>

<p>"The data collected is received at the Earth. Payloads are now switched off. Lander receivers are kept ON. Vikram will fall asleep next to Pragyan once the solar power is depleted and the battery is drained. Hoping for their awakening, around September 22, 2023. "</p>

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<p>The term "in-situ" is a Latin phrase that translates to "in place" or "on-site," and it implies that researchers are studying a phenomenon or conducting experiments directly where it naturally occurs, without removing samples or specimens to a different location. Thus, in this, the data is collected directly adjacent to the measuring instrument. These types of experiments offer unfiltered insights into the lunar environment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
Vikram Lander is set into sleep mode around 08:00 Hrs. IST today.<br />
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Prior to that, in-situ experiments by ChaSTE, RAMBHA-LP and ILSA payloads are performed at the new location. The data collected is received at the Earth.<br />
Payloads are now switched off.… <a href="https://t.co/vwOWLcbm6P">pic.twitter.com/vwOWLcbm6P</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1698618694795219401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Vikram Lander, named in honour of Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, widely regarded as the father of the Indian Space Programme, was designed to operate for one lunar day, roughly equivalent to 14 Earth days.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Lunar water</h2>

<p>The data obtained from these experiments has been successfully transmitted back to Earth, contributing significantly to the primary mission objective, which is to locate lunar water.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vijay-deverakonda-visits-yadadri-temple-with-family-post-release-of-kushi-632171">Vijay Deverakonda visits Yadadri Temple with family post release of Kushi</a></p>

<p>Following the completion of these operations, the lander's payloads have been deactivated, while the lander receivers now remain operational.</p>

<h2><strong>Pragyan rover</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Pragyan Rover, a companion to the Vikram Lander, has also been placed into sleep mode. Both the lander and the rover will remain in this state until they can recharge their onboard batteries using solar power.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM shrugs off Pakistan, China objections on G20 venues</strong></p>

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<p>This recharging is expected to happen around September 22&nbsp;after the lunar sunrise over the South Pole.&nbsp;The world now eagerly anticipates the reawakening of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India in space exploration</strong></h2>

<p>The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has further solidified India's position as a prominent player in space exploration, following in the footsteps of nations like the United States, China, and Russia. Chandrayaan-3 mission has made India the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and the fourth nation to land on Earth’s lunar satellite.&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has been set into sleep mode. This significant development took place at approximately 8 am IST on Monday (September 4).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has been set into sleep mode. This significant development took place at approximately 8 am IST on Monday (September 4). This comes as the Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives and made a second soft landing on the surface of the moon, as a part of a 'hop experiment.' While sharing the images of the Vikram lander before and after the hop, ISRO in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), wrote, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Vikram Lander is set into sleep mode around 08:00 Hrs. IST today. Prior to that, in-situ experiments by ChaSTE, RAMBHA-LP and ILSA payloads are performed at the new location." "The data collected is received at the Earth. Payloads are now switched off. Lander receivers are kept ON. Vikram will fall asleep next to Pragyan once the solar power is depleted and the battery is drained. Hoping for their awakening, around September 22, 2023. " Also Read | Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Kashmir abuzz with buyers from across India The term "in-situ" is a Latin phrase that translates to "in place" or "on-site," and it implies that researchers are studying a phenomenon or conducting experiments directly where it naturally occurs, without removing samples or specimens to a different location. Thus, in this, the data is collected directly adjacent to the measuring instrument. These types of experiments offer unfiltered insights into the lunar environment. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Vikram Lander is set into sleep mode around 08:00 Hrs. IST today. Prior to that, in-situ experiments by ChaSTE, RAMBHA-LP and ILSA payloads are performed at the new location. The data collected is received at the Earth. Payloads are now switched off.… pic.twitter.com/vwOWLcbm6P — ISRO (@isro) September 4, 2023 × The Vikram Lander, named in honour of Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, widely regarded as the father of the Indian Space Programme, was designed to operate for one lunar day, roughly equivalent to 14 Earth days. Lunar water The data obtained from these experiments has been successfully transmitted back to Earth, contributing significantly to the primary mission objective, which is to locate lunar water. Also Read | Vijay Deverakonda visits Yadadri Temple with family post release of Kushi Following the completion of these operations, the lander's payloads have been deactivated, while the lander receivers now remain operational. Pragyan rover The Pragyan Rover, a companion to the Vikram Lander, has also been placed into sleep mode. Both the lander and the rover will remain in this state until they can recharge their onboard batteries using solar power. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM shrugs off Pakistan, China objections on G20 venues × This recharging is expected to happen around September 22 after the lunar sunrise over the South Pole. The world now eagerly anticipates the reawakening of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. India in space exploration The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has further solidified India's position as a prominent player in space exploration, following in the footsteps of nations like the United States, China, and Russia. Chandrayaan-3 mission has made India the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and the fourth nation to land on Earth’s lunar satellite. 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: Vikram lander is asleep and expected to wake up on Sep 22

<p>Indian space agency ISRO said Monday (Sept. 4) that its Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives and landed a second time on the lunar surface, as part of a 'hop experiment.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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," ISRO posted on X.</p>

<p>The space agency further said it was necessary to demonstrate the possibility of "future sample return and human missions!."</p>

<p>"All systems performed nominally and are healthy. Deployed Ramp, ChaSTE and ILSA were folded back and redeployed successfully after the experiment," the post added.</p>

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<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>
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<h2><strong>What about Pragyan rover?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, ISRO informed on X that its Pragyar rover has been put to sleep ahead of the harsh lunar night that lasts for a fortnight.&nbsp;“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,” the space agency posted on X.</p>

<p>ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bedtime-for-pragyan-rover-as-sun-sets-on-moon-here-are-its-remarkable-findings-631874"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings</strong></a></p>

<p>“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.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Achievements so far</strong></h2>

<p>So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminium, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet.</p>

<p>Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by ISRO "upon investigation.”</p>

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Indian space agency ISRO said Monday (Sept. 4) that its Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives and landed a second time on the lunar surface, as part of a 'hop experiment.

Indian space agency ISRO said Monday (Sept. 4) that its Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives and landed a second time on the lunar surface, as part of 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," ISRO posted on X. The space agency further said it was necessary to demonstrate the possibility of "future sample return and human missions!." "All systems performed nominally and are healthy. Deployed Ramp, ChaSTE and ILSA were folded back and redeployed successfully after the experiment," the post added. 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 × What about Pragyan rover? Earlier, ISRO informed on X that its Pragyar rover has been put to sleep ahead of the harsh lunar night that lasts for a fortnight. “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,” the space agency posted on X. ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light. Also read: Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings “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. Achievements so far So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminium, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet. Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by ISRO "upon investigation.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: A double feat for Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander as it 'hops' and lands again

<p>It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments.</p>

<p>“Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador,” India’s space agency ISRO said in a post on X. The Chandrayaan-3 rover is now safely parked on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode as harsh lunar night arrives on the horizon.</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,” the space agency posted on X.</p>

<h2><strong>The next focus</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light.</p>

<p>“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,” the ISRO posted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-will-isro-study-in-aditya-l1-mission-as-it-aims-for-the-sun-630471"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | What will ISRO study in Aditya-L1 mission as it aims for the Sun</strong></a></p>

<p>ISRO earlier said that the Pragyan rover traversed over 100 metres after rolling out of the Vikram lander around 10 days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why revival is so difficult?</strong></h2>

<p>Once the Sun sets, the temperature at the lunar surface can plunge as below as minus 200 degree&nbsp;Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The temperature there goes down to -200 minus degrees. In such an environment, there is no guarantee that the battery, electronics will survive, but we did some tests and we get the feeling that they will survive even in such harsh conditions,” S Somnath, ISRO chairman, said.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the assignments done so far?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet.</p>

<p>Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by the ISRO upon investigation.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Aditya-L1: Days after Lunar landing, ISRO to take first step to the sun</strong></p>

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<p>In another statement posted on X, ISRO said, “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.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation,” the statement added.</p>

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It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments. “Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments!

It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments. “Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador,” India’s space agency ISRO said in a post on X. The Chandrayaan-3 rover is now safely parked on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode as harsh lunar night arrives on the horizon. “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,” the space agency posted on X. The next focus ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light. “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,” the ISRO posted. Also read: Explained | What will ISRO study in Aditya-L1 mission as it aims for the Sun ISRO earlier said that the Pragyan rover traversed over 100 metres after rolling out of the Vikram lander around 10 days ago. Why revival is so difficult? Once the Sun sets, the temperature at the lunar surface can plunge as below as minus 200 degree Celsius. “The temperature there goes down to -200 minus degrees. In such an environment, there is no guarantee that the battery, electronics will survive, but we did some tests and we get the feeling that they will survive even in such harsh conditions,” S Somnath, ISRO chairman, said. What are the assignments done so far? So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet. Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by the ISRO upon investigation.” Watch: Aditya-L1: Days after Lunar landing, ISRO to take first step to the sun × In another statement posted on X, ISRO said, “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.” “Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation,” the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings

<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>

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<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 />
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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

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which on Saturday (September 2) marked another milestone with the launch of its solar mission, Aditya -L1, also gave us an important update about its moon mission Chandrayaan-3 and said that the Pragyan rover has successfully traversed 100 metres on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3 mission update</strong></h2>

<p>Both Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover are arguably the two most important components of the country’s lunar mission.&nbsp;In a recent update, ISRO said the latter which is crawling on its six independently movable wheels on the lunar surface has moved 100 metres away from the former.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Space agency after announcing the successful launch of Aditya L-1, on X (formerly known as Twitter) said, “Meanwhile, over the Moon, Pragyan Rover has traversed over 100 meters and continuing.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also posed an image of the path taken by the Pragyan rover and showed the total traverse distance as 101.4 metres.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
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🏏Pragyan 100*<br />
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Meanwhile, over the Moon, Pragan Rover has traversed over 100 meters and continuing. <a href="https://t.co/J1jR3rP6CZ">pic.twitter.com/J1jR3rP6CZ</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697881823391711684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The rover, equipped with a number of scientific instruments to collect data from the lunar surface, travelled southeast after stepping out of the Vikram lander and also managed to dodge a massive lunar crater with a diameter of four metres.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Lander and rover on 'sleep mode'</strong></p>

<p>After the successful launch of India’s solar mission, ISRO chief Dr S Somnath said that as the moon mission is approaching the conclusion of its planned exploration period of one lunar day (14 Earth days) they are now going to put both Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on “sleep mode” to withstand the night on the lunar surface.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aditya-l-1-launch-indian-rocket-lifts-off-to-take-country-closer-to-sun-after-moon-landmark-631652">Aditya L-1 launch: India's solar mission lifts off, takes country closer to sun after moon landmark</a></strong><br />
<br />
“The good news is that the rover has moved almost 100 metres from the lander and we are going to start the process of making both of them sleep in the coming one or two days because they have to withstand the night,” said the ISRO chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as temperatures during the lunar night are expected to plummet below -200 degrees Celsius, said Dr&nbsp;Somanath, on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an update later that evening, ISRO took to X and wrote, "The Rover completed its assignments".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer) and LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope) payloads are turned off," referring to the rover's instruments for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-indias-aditya-l1-heads-to-study-the-sun-moon-mission-chandrayaan-3-to-fall-asleep-631833">As India’s Aditya-L1 heads to study the Sun, Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 to fall asleep</a></strong></p>

<p>"Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander," said the Indian space agency.&nbsp;Speaking about the current status of the payloads ISRO said that the battery is&nbsp;fully charged and "The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian space agency also said that it is hoping for a "successful awakening" for further assignment or else "it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador."</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3 mission</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 mission has made 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quake-on-moon-chandrayaan-3s-vikran-lander-detects-natural-seismic-movement-631073">Quake on Moon? Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander detects 'natural' seismic movement</a></strong></p>

<p>The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which on Saturday (September 2) marked another milestone with the launch of its solar mission, Aditya -L1, also gave us an important update about its moon mission Chandrayaan-3 and said that the Pragyan rover has successfully traversed 100 metres on the lunar surface.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which on Saturday (September 2) marked another milestone with the launch of its solar mission, Aditya -L1, also gave us an important update about its moon mission Chandrayaan-3 and said that the Pragyan rover has successfully traversed 100 metres on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 mission update Both Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover are arguably the two most important components of the country’s lunar mission. In a recent update, ISRO said the latter which is crawling on its six independently movable wheels on the lunar surface has moved 100 metres away from the former. The Indian Space agency after announcing the successful launch of Aditya L-1, on X (formerly known as Twitter) said, “Meanwhile, over the Moon, Pragyan Rover has traversed over 100 meters and continuing.” They also posed an image of the path taken by the Pragyan rover and showed the total traverse distance as 101.4 metres. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 🏏Pragyan 100* Meanwhile, over the Moon, Pragan Rover has traversed over 100 meters and continuing. pic.twitter.com/J1jR3rP6CZ — ISRO (@isro) September 2, 2023 × The rover, equipped with a number of scientific instruments to collect data from the lunar surface, travelled southeast after stepping out of the Vikram lander and also managed to dodge a massive lunar crater with a diameter of four metres. Lander and rover on 'sleep mode' After the successful launch of India’s solar mission, ISRO chief Dr S Somnath said that as the moon mission is approaching the conclusion of its planned exploration period of one lunar day (14 Earth days) they are now going to put both Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on “sleep mode” to withstand the night on the lunar surface. ALSO READ | Aditya L-1 launch: India's solar mission lifts off, takes country closer to sun after moon landmark “The good news is that the rover has moved almost 100 metres from the lander and we are going to start the process of making both of them sleep in the coming one or two days because they have to withstand the night,” said the ISRO chief. This comes as temperatures during the lunar night are expected to plummet below -200 degrees Celsius, said Dr Somanath, on Saturday. In an update later that evening, ISRO took to X and wrote, "The Rover completed its assignments". It added, "It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer) and LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope) payloads are turned off," referring to the rover's instruments for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site. ALSO READ | As India’s Aditya-L1 heads to study the Sun, Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 to fall asleep "Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander," said the Indian space agency. Speaking about the current status of the payloads ISRO said that the battery is fully charged and "The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on." The Indian space agency also said that it is hoping for a "successful awakening" for further assignment or else "it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador." Chandrayaan-3 mission Chandrayaan-3 mission has made 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. ALSO READ | Quake on Moon? Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander detects 'natural' seismic movement The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night. 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 rover moves 100 m away from lander, both put to ‘sleep’ as lunar night nears

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander has recorded a “natural event”, indicating seismic activity on the Moon’s surface near the South Pole.</p>

<p>The seismic activity-detecting equipment — The Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload — on board the lander also detected vibrations taking place due to the movements of the mission's Pragyan rover and other payloads, the ISRO said on Thursday (Aug 31).</p>

<p>"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," the Indian space agency said in a post on micro-blogging site X.</p>

<h2><strong>Source being probed </strong></h2>

<p>"It has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," it added.</p>

<p>ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
In-situ Scientific Experiments<br />
<br />
Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere - Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload onboard Chandrayaan-3 Lander has made first-ever measurements of the near-surface Lunar plasma environment over the… <a href="https://t.co/n8ifIEr83h">pic.twitter.com/n8ifIEr83h</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697193322367136042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, ISRO reported that the radio anatomy of the Moon-bound hypersensitive ionosphere and atmosphere-Langmuir probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload, also onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander, has achieved a groundbreaking feat.</p>

<p>RAMBHA-LP conducted the first-ever measurements of the near-surface lunar plasma environment over the south polar region, indicating that the plasma density near the lunar surface is relatively sparse.</p>

<p>The measurements garnered by RAMBHA-LP hold promising implications for various aspects of lunar exploration.</p>

<p>This means that there are not many electrons in this region of space, ISRO posted on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&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></p>

<p>The data has ground-breaking implications as the thinness of lunar plasma affects the way radio waves travel through space.</p>

<p>Radio waves are affected by the presence of plasma—the denser the plasma, the more the radio waves are scattered.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&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></p>

<p>The sparseness of lunar plasma means that radio waves can propagate through space with less attenuation, which is important for communication between lunar missions, ISRO said.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3 mission</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 mission has made 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander has recorded a “natural event”, indicating seismic activity on the Moon’s surface near the South Pole.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander has recorded a “natural event”, indicating seismic activity on the Moon’s surface near the South Pole. The seismic activity-detecting equipment — The Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload — on board the lander also detected vibrations taking place due to the movements of the mission's Pragyan rover and other payloads, the ISRO said on Thursday (Aug 31). "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," the Indian space agency said in a post on micro-blogging site X. Source being probed "It has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," it added. ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere - Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload onboard Chandrayaan-3 Lander has made first-ever measurements of the near-surface Lunar plasma environment over the… pic.twitter.com/n8ifIEr83h — ISRO (@isro) August 31, 2023 × Earlier in the day, ISRO reported that the radio anatomy of the Moon-bound hypersensitive ionosphere and atmosphere-Langmuir probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload, also onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander, has achieved a groundbreaking feat. RAMBHA-LP conducted the first-ever measurements of the near-surface lunar plasma environment over the south polar region, indicating that the plasma density near the lunar surface is relatively sparse. The measurements garnered by RAMBHA-LP hold promising implications for various aspects of lunar exploration. This means that there are not many electrons in this region of space, ISRO posted on X. Also read | Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’ The data has ground-breaking implications as the thinness of lunar plasma affects the way radio waves travel through space. Radio waves are affected by the presence of plasma—the denser the plasma, the more the radio waves are scattered. Also read | Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface The sparseness of lunar plasma means that radio waves can propagate through space with less attenuation, which is important for communication between lunar missions, ISRO said. Chandrayaan-3 mission Chandrayaan-3 mission has made 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. 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

Quake on Moon? Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander detects 'natural' seismic movement

<p>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;</p>

<p>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)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Beyond Borders, Across Moonscapes:<br />
India's Majesty knows no bounds!.<br />
<br />
Once more, co-traveller Pragyan captures Vikram in a Snap!<br />
<br />
This iconic snap was taken today around 11 am IST from about 15 m.<br />
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The data from the NavCams is processed by SAC/ISRO, Ahmedabad. <a href="https://t.co/n0yvXenfdm">pic.twitter.com/n0yvXenfdm</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1696906614194807178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This comes as the Rover discovered several chemical elements on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While conducting the experiments, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard found sulphur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Vikram Lander?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Giving an update, the space agency said that all payloads are performing normally.</p>

<p>After 14 days, Vikram Lander and Pragyan could live&nbsp;longer&nbsp;if they survive the lunar night.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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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

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- India: Gujarat man held for faking to be scientist behind Chandrayaan-3 lander design, People don't exercise in 'blue zone countries' and yet live longer, Beer Goggles are a myth? Study challenges existence of the phenomenon, Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover shares 1st image of Vikram Lander.

'Beer goggles', a myth? | Pragyan rover shares 1st image of Vikram Lander | Trending on WION

<p>In India, if you are in the deserts of Rajasthan (north-west) during peak summer, the temperature could well be around 50 degrees Centigrade. Likewise, if you are in Jammu and Kashmir (north) during winters, the temperature could well be minus 10 degrees Centigrade or even colder.</p>

<p>There's at least 600 kilometres of distance and radically different terrain between the two regions, where such extreme climate is witnessed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in the soil near the Lunar South Pole, one has to just drill 10 cm deep (less than the length of your smartphone screen), in order to see such extreme temperature variation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey</a></strong></p>

<p>On the Lunar top soil (surface), the temperature is 50 degrees Centigrade and barely 10 cm below the surface, the temperature is minus 10 degrees Centigrade, it has been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation&nbsp;has revealed this data based on the in-situ study conducted by the Vikram Lunar lander.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Als watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3 mission: Pragyan rover deployed</b></p>

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<p>Using its on-board ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment)&nbsp;probe, the Vikram lander has studied the temperature variation at the top surface of the Lunar soil and at a depth of 8 cm.</p>

<p>Notably, this study is done during the Lunar day, when sunlight is available at the Landing site. Lunar night time temperatures could be much colder.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Analysis 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> near South Pole indicates- during Lunar day, there's severe temperature variation between top soil and 10cm below(as studied by ChaSTE probe)<br />
<br />
At surface: Temp is 50C+ (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> heat)<br />
<br />
At 8cm: Temp is -10C (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> cold)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qv4egZgBIH">pic.twitter.com/Qv4egZgBIH</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1695732865009603068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's surface. It has a temperature probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm beneath the surface. The probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors" ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's Diviner Lunar Radiometer, on-board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has been mapping the moon's temperature since 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NASA, lunar daytime temperatures near the equator reach a 120 degrees Centigrade, while nighttime temperatures get to minus 130 degrees Centigrade. The Moon’s poles are even colder.</p>

<p>NASA's equipment even found a place in the floor of the Moon’s Hermite Crater that was detected to be minus 250degrees Centigrade, making it the coldest temperature measured anywhere in the solar system.<br />
<br />
Extremely cold regions similar to the one in Hermite Crater were found at the bottoms of several permanently shadowed craters at the lunar south pole and were measured in the depths of winter night, says NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, India's Chandrayaan-3 is the first to land near the mysterious Lunar south pole and is expected to carry out its operations for two weeks on earth (one Lunar day), starting 23<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;August.</p>

<p>The mission has a designed life of 14 earth days or one lunar day, as it is powered by solar energy that it harnessed during the Lunar day.</p>

<p>Notably, Russia's Luna-25, which was supposed to land near the Lunar south pole carried a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (simply put, a kind of nuclear battery) that could provide heat and power to the Russian lander for at least one year on earth(26 Lunar days and nights).</p>

<p>However, Luna-25 had crash landed before it could reach its final pre-landing orbit and could commence its soft-landing attempt.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In India, if you are in the deserts of Rajasthan (north-west) during peak summer, the temperature could well be around 50 degrees Centigrade. Likewise, if you are in Jammu and Kashmir (north) during winters, the temperature could well be minus 10 degrees Centigrade or even colder.

In India, if you are in the deserts of Rajasthan (north-west) during peak summer, the temperature could well be around 50 degrees Centigrade. Likewise, if you are in Jammu and Kashmir (north) during winters, the temperature could well be minus 10 degrees Centigrade or even colder. There's at least 600 kilometres of distance and radically different terrain between the two regions, where such extreme climate is witnessed. However, in the soil near the Lunar South Pole, one has to just drill 10 cm deep (less than the length of your smartphone screen), in order to see such extreme temperature variation. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey On the Lunar top soil (surface), the temperature is 50 degrees Centigrade and barely 10 cm below the surface, the temperature is minus 10 degrees Centigrade, it has been found. The Indian Space Research Organisation has revealed this data based on the in-situ study conducted by the Vikram Lunar lander. Als watch | Chandrayaan-3 mission: Pragyan rover deployed × Using its on-board ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) probe, the Vikram lander has studied the temperature variation at the top surface of the Lunar soil and at a depth of 8 cm. Notably, this study is done during the Lunar day, when sunlight is available at the Landing site. Lunar night time temperatures could be much colder. Analysis by #isro #VikramLander near South Pole indicates- during Lunar day, there's severe temperature variation between top soil and 10cm below(as studied by ChaSTE probe) At surface: Temp is 50C+ (#Rajasthan heat) At 8cm: Temp is -10C (#Kashmir cold)#Chandrayaan3 #space pic.twitter.com/Qv4egZgBIH — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 27, 2023 × "ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's surface. It has a temperature probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm beneath the surface. The probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors" ISRO said. NASA's Diviner Lunar Radiometer, on-board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has been mapping the moon's temperature since 2009. According to NASA, lunar daytime temperatures near the equator reach a 120 degrees Centigrade, while nighttime temperatures get to minus 130 degrees Centigrade. The Moon’s poles are even colder. NASA's equipment even found a place in the floor of the Moon’s Hermite Crater that was detected to be minus 250degrees Centigrade, making it the coldest temperature measured anywhere in the solar system. Extremely cold regions similar to the one in Hermite Crater were found at the bottoms of several permanently shadowed craters at the lunar south pole and were measured in the depths of winter night, says NASA. Notably, India's Chandrayaan-3 is the first to land near the mysterious Lunar south pole and is expected to carry out its operations for two weeks on earth (one Lunar day), starting 23rd August. The mission has a designed life of 14 earth days or one lunar day, as it is powered by solar energy that it harnessed during the Lunar day. Notably, Russia's Luna-25, which was supposed to land near the Lunar south pole carried a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (simply put, a kind of nuclear battery) that could provide heat and power to the Russian lander for at least one year on earth(26 Lunar days and nights). However, Luna-25 had crash landed before it could reach its final pre-landing orbit and could commence its soft-landing attempt. 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.

From Rajasthan's heat to Kashmir's cold: Chandrayaan-3 finds massive lunar soil temperature variation

<p>After the successful soft-landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Aug 24) shared the first&nbsp;video of the Pragyan&nbsp;rover rolling out of the Vikram lander.</p>

<p>The video comes hours after India's third lunar mission made history by being the first to land on the lunar south pole.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-delete-pics-of-chandrayaan-3-lander-spotted-by-chandrayaan-2-minutes-after-posting-it-628969">ISRO shares, then deletes purported pics of Chandrayaan-3 lander as seen from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter</a></strong></p>

<p>The space agency's post on X, formerly Twitter, read, "... and here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">... ... and here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface. <a href="https://t.co/nEU8s1At0W">pic.twitter.com/nEU8s1At0W</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694945669721776263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
<br />
Chandrayaan-3 ROVER:<br />
Made in India 🇮🇳<br />
Made for the MOON🌖!<br />
<br />
The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and<br />
India took a walk on the moon !<br />
<br />
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></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694545322251571687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Pragyan Rover:</strong></p>

<p>Pragyan is an Indian lunar rover, which is a part of Chandrayaan-3 that recently landed on the moon's south pole. It is the first of its kind to be deployed on the moon's south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has a mass of almost 27 kg and is about the size of a microwave oven, designed to travel up to 500 metres on the moon's surface. It will conduct experiments on the moon's geology, mineralogy and atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rover is equipped with stereoscopic camera-based 3D visions to provide the ground control team with a 3D video of the surrounding terrain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-set-to-launch-its-moon-mission-heres-how-it-is-different-from-indias-chandrayaan-3-628989">Japan set to launch its moon mission. Here's how it is different from India's Chandrayaan-3</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Shortly after the landing, the space agency said that communication with Vikram Lander had been established and soon shared several images of the lunar surface taken by the Lander's Horizontal Velocity Camera captured during the descent.</p>

<p><strong>What happens now?</strong></p>

<p>The rover is expected to conduct an on-site analysis of the lunar surface. Both the lander and the rover have scientific payloads to carry out the experiments.</p>

<p>The mission has already completed two of its objectives which are,&nbsp;a soft landing on the moon's south pole and placing the rover on the Moon. Now it aims to stay on the lunar surface for 1 Lunar day or 14 Earth days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After 14 days, Vikram Lander and Pragyan could live&nbsp;longer&nbsp;if they survive the lunar night.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the successful soft-landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Aug 24) shared the first video of the Pragyan rover rolling out of the Vikram lander.

After the successful soft-landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Aug 24) shared the first video of the Pragyan rover rolling out of the Vikram lander. The video comes hours after India's third lunar mission made history by being the first to land on the lunar south pole. Also read | ISRO shares, then deletes purported pics of Chandrayaan-3 lander as seen from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter The space agency's post on X, formerly Twitter, read, "... and here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface." ... ... and here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface. pic.twitter.com/nEU8s1At0W — ISRO (@isro) August 25, 2023 × 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 × Pragyan Rover: Pragyan is an Indian lunar rover, which is a part of Chandrayaan-3 that recently landed on the moon's south pole. It is the first of its kind to be deployed on the moon's south pole. It has a mass of almost 27 kg and is about the size of a microwave oven, designed to travel up to 500 metres on the moon's surface. It will conduct experiments on the moon's geology, mineralogy and atmosphere. The rover is equipped with stereoscopic camera-based 3D visions to provide the ground control team with a 3D video of the surrounding terrain. Also read | Japan set to launch its moon mission. Here's how it is different from India's Chandrayaan-3 Shortly after the landing, the space agency said that communication with Vikram Lander had been established and soon shared several images of the lunar surface taken by the Lander's Horizontal Velocity Camera captured during the descent. What happens now? The rover is expected to conduct an on-site analysis of the lunar surface. Both the lander and the rover have scientific payloads to carry out the experiments. The mission has already completed two of its objectives which are, a soft landing on the moon's south pole and placing the rover on the Moon. Now it aims to stay on the lunar surface for 1 Lunar day or 14 Earth days. 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.

Watch | Chandrayaan-3: ISRO shares first selfie video of Pragyan rover ramping down Vikram lander

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that its Chandrayaan-3 lunar-landing mission is on track and the soft-landing will happen at 6:04pm IST on Wednesday (August 23). "All set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). Awaiting the arrival of Lander Module (LM) at the designated point, around 17:44 Hrs. IST. Upon receiving the ALS command, the LM activates the throttleable engines for powered descent. The mission operations team will keep confirming the sequential execution of commands," ISRO tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The landing process will see the Vikram lander initially reduce its horizontal velocity, re-orient itself for vertical landing and then reduce its vertical velocity to soft-land at a safe speed. In a span of 19 minutes, the craft is meant to slow itself from an initial velocity of 1.6km/sec to 1-2 m/sec.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover would not immediately begin their scientific exploration and experiments. "Just like the excitement has to settle down among the Indian people, the fine talcum powder-like Lunar dust that is kicked up from the landing must settle down. Post-landing, lunar dust can fog up the view of the lander cameras. Since the lunar gravity is barely 1/6th of Earth's gravity, it could take a few hours for the dust to settle. Only after the dust settles down, can the lander commence its tasks, charge itself by harnessing solar power and then open the ramp to eject the Pragyan rover," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the former director of ISRO's satellite Centre, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, once the rover begins to traverse the lunar surface, the six-wheeled Pragyan would leave India's indelible imprint on the moon, as its wheels carry the Indian State emblem (an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion capital of King Ashoka) and the logo of the Indian space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Vikram and Pragyan have a planned mission life of 1 lunar day (14.75 days on Earth), there is a possibility that the duo could live longer. ISRO has designed its lander and rover to harness solar power and charge its onboard batteries, but that would be possible only during the lunar day. After lunar day, comes lunar night when temperatures drop severely and go well below -150ºC. If the lander and rover survive the lunar night (14.75 earth days), it might be possible for them to get revived when the lunar day breaks and solar power is available, multiple ISRO officials told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, ISRO has planned the lunar landing at the start of the lunar day, so that the lander rover can harness solar power and work for the planned operational life of 14 earth days or one lunar day.&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that its Chandrayaan-3 lunar-landing mission is on track and the soft-landing will happen at 6:04pm IST on Wednesday (August 23).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that its Chandrayaan-3 lunar-landing mission is on track and the soft-landing will happen at 6:04pm IST on Wednesday (August 23). "All set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). Awaiting the arrival of Lander Module (LM) at the designated point, around 17:44 Hrs. IST. Upon receiving the ALS command, the LM activates the throttleable engines for powered descent. The mission operations team will keep confirming the sequential execution of commands," ISRO tweeted. The landing process will see the Vikram lander initially reduce its horizontal velocity, re-orient itself for vertical landing and then reduce its vertical velocity to soft-land at a safe speed. In a span of 19 minutes, the craft is meant to slow itself from an initial velocity of 1.6km/sec to 1-2 m/sec. However, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover would not immediately begin their scientific exploration and experiments. "Just like the excitement has to settle down among the Indian people, the fine talcum powder-like Lunar dust that is kicked up from the landing must settle down. Post-landing, lunar dust can fog up the view of the lander cameras. Since the lunar gravity is barely 1/6th of Earth's gravity, it could take a few hours for the dust to settle. Only after the dust settles down, can the lander commence its tasks, charge itself by harnessing solar power and then open the ramp to eject the Pragyan rover," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the former director of ISRO's satellite Centre, told WION. He added, once the rover begins to traverse the lunar surface, the six-wheeled Pragyan would leave India's indelible imprint on the moon, as its wheels carry the Indian State emblem (an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion capital of King Ashoka) and the logo of the Indian space agency. While Vikram and Pragyan have a planned mission life of 1 lunar day (14.75 days on Earth), there is a possibility that the duo could live longer. ISRO has designed its lander and rover to harness solar power and charge its onboard batteries, but that would be possible only during the lunar day. After lunar day, comes lunar night when temperatures drop severely and go well below -150ºC. If the lander and rover survive the lunar night (14.75 earth days), it might be possible for them to get revived when the lunar day breaks and solar power is available, multiple ISRO officials told WION. In fact, ISRO has planned the lunar landing at the start of the lunar day, so that the lander rover can harness solar power and work for the planned operational life of 14 earth days or one lunar day. 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: After landing, Vikram and Pragyan to wait for lunar dust to settle 

<p>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (August 23) successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, and India became&nbsp;the first country in the world to land its spacecraft on the lunar south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Within hours after achieving the historic feat, ISRO also released some fascinating images of the lunar surface clicked by the lander during its descent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest update, the Indian space agency also informed that its central office in Bengaluru,&nbsp;MOX-ISTRAC, has established contact with the Chandrayaan-3 lander.</p>

<p><strong>Have a look at the images clicked by&nbsp;the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera.</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
Updates:<br />
<br />
The communication link is established between the Ch-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru.<br />
<br />
Here are the images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the descent. <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> <a href="https://t.co/ctjpxZmbom">pic.twitter.com/ctjpxZmbom</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694360664675127726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The lander and the rover will not immediately begin the exploration on the Lunar surface; instead, ISRO will first wait for the dust to settle.</p>

<p>Earlier, an expert told WION how and when the lander will commence its tasks on the Moon and when the rover will come out.</p>

<p>"Just like the excitement has to settle down among the Indian people, the fine talcum powder-like Lunar dust that is kicked up from the landing must settle down. Post-landing, lunar dust can fog up the view of the lander cameras. Since the lunar gravity is barely 1/6th of Earth's gravity, it could take a few hours for the dust to settle. Only after the dust settles down, can the lander commence its tasks, charge itself by harnessing solar power and then open the ramp to eject the Pragyan rover," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the former director of ISRO's satellite Centre, told WION's correspondent Sidharth MP.</p>

<h2><strong>How long will the mission last?</strong></h2>

<p>Although Vikram (lander) and Pragyan (rover) are slated for a mission duration of 1 lunar day (equivalent to 14.75 Earth days), there exists the potential for their extended survival.</p>

<p>ISRO engineered the lander and rover to utilise solar energy for recharging their internal batteries. However, this energy harnessing can only occur during the lunar day period. Subsequently, the lunar night follows, during which the temperature can reach below -150ºC.</p>

<p>Should the lander and rover endure this harsh lunar night phase, spanning 14.75 Earth days, there remains a chance of revival as the subsequent lunar day arrives, bringing with it the availability of solar power.</p>

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (August 23) successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, and India became the first country in the world to land its spacecraft on the lunar south pole.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (August 23) successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, and India became the first country in the world to land its spacecraft on the lunar south pole. Within hours after achieving the historic feat, ISRO also released some fascinating images of the lunar surface clicked by the lander during its descent. In the latest update, the Indian space agency also informed that its central office in Bengaluru, MOX-ISTRAC, has established contact with the Chandrayaan-3 lander. Have a look at the images clicked by the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Updates: The communication link is established between the Ch-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru. Here are the images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the descent. #Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 pic.twitter.com/ctjpxZmbom — ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023 × What next? The lander and the rover will not immediately begin the exploration on the Lunar surface; instead, ISRO will first wait for the dust to settle. Earlier, an expert told WION how and when the lander will commence its tasks on the Moon and when the rover will come out. "Just like the excitement has to settle down among the Indian people, the fine talcum powder-like Lunar dust that is kicked up from the landing must settle down. Post-landing, lunar dust can fog up the view of the lander cameras. Since the lunar gravity is barely 1/6th of Earth's gravity, it could take a few hours for the dust to settle. Only after the dust settles down, can the lander commence its tasks, charge itself by harnessing solar power and then open the ramp to eject the Pragyan rover," Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the former director of ISRO's satellite Centre, told WION's correspondent Sidharth MP. How long will the mission last? Although Vikram (lander) and Pragyan (rover) are slated for a mission duration of 1 lunar day (equivalent to 14.75 Earth days), there exists the potential for their extended survival. ISRO engineered the lander and rover to utilise solar energy for recharging their internal batteries. However, this energy harnessing can only occur during the lunar day period. Subsequently, the lunar night follows, during which the temperature can reach below -150ºC. Should the lander and rover endure this harsh lunar night phase, spanning 14.75 Earth days, there remains a chance of revival as the subsequent lunar day arrives, bringing with it the availability of solar power. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chandrayaan-3: ISRO releases fresh images of lunar surface, here's what happens next

<p>Just a few hours from now, India will make its latest attempt at a moon landing, as its Chandrayaan, or 'Mooncraft' lands on the Moon's South Pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The touchdown which comes days after Russia failed to achieve the same feat is scheduled for shortly after 6:00 pm India time (1230 GMT) on Wednesday (August 23rd).</p>

<h2><strong>Success or failure</strong></h2>

<p>If it succeeds in its attempt, the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be the first to land on the lunar South Pole — a region whose shadowed craters are believed to house water ice that could support a future moon settlement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-soft-landing-will-offer-basic-tech-for-landing-missions-to-other-planets-628071">Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing will offer basic tech for landing missions to other planets</a></strong></p>

<p>Previously, in 2019, India's effort to crest the lunar surface had ended in failure. However, as per Indian space chief K&nbsp;Sivan, the latest photos transmitted back home by the Vikram lander give every indication that the last leg of the voyage would succeed.</p>

<p>Talking to news agency AFP, Sivan said: "It is giving some encouragement that we will be able to achieve the landing mission without any problem."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: What is soft landing and why it is important?</strong></p>

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<p>In 2019, ISRO lost contact with the previous lunar module just moments before its slated landing. This time "Chandrayaan-3 is going to go with more ruggedness," said Sivan, adding "We have confidence, and we expect that everything will go smoothly."</p>

<h2><strong>Abuzz with excitement</strong></h2>

<p>India launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission six weeks back. The spacecraft&nbsp;uses rockets much less powerful than those used by the United States for its Apollo Missions in the 1960s and 1970s. It pays homage to India's "frugal engineering". The nation's latest moon mission carries a price tag of $74.6 million, far lower than other countries.</p>

<p>After taking off in front of thousands of cheering spectators, the probe spent some time orbiting Earth several times to gain speed before embarking on its lunar journey.</p>

<p>Last week, the lander Vikram, which in Sanskrit means 'Valour', detached from the&nbsp;spacecraft. Since entering the lunar orbit on August 5, it has beamed back images of the moon's surface, which have added to the buzz.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-why-last-twenty-minutes-before-soft-landing-of-vikram-lander-will-be-most-crucial-627980">Chandrayaan-3: Why last 20 minutes before soft-landing of Vikram lander will be most crucial</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, August 22, a day before the landing, ISRO took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce that its mission control complex was "buzzed with energy &amp; excitement" and that the "smooth sailing is continuing."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Just a few hours from now, India will make its latest attempt at a moon landing, as its Chandrayaan, or 'Mooncraft' lands on the Moon's South Pole. The touchdown which comes days after Russia failed to achieve the same feat is scheduled for shortly after 6:00 pm India time (1230 GMT) on Wednesday (August 23rd).

Just a few hours from now, India will make its latest attempt at a moon landing, as its Chandrayaan, or 'Mooncraft' lands on the Moon's South Pole. The touchdown which comes days after Russia failed to achieve the same feat is scheduled for shortly after 6:00 pm India time (1230 GMT) on Wednesday (August 23rd). Success or failure If it succeeds in its attempt, the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be the first to land on the lunar South Pole — a region whose shadowed craters are believed to house water ice that could support a future moon settlement. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing will offer basic tech for landing missions to other planets Previously, in 2019, India's effort to crest the lunar surface had ended in failure. However, as per Indian space chief K Sivan, the latest photos transmitted back home by the Vikram lander give every indication that the last leg of the voyage would succeed. Talking to news agency AFP, Sivan said: "It is giving some encouragement that we will be able to achieve the landing mission without any problem." Watch | Chandrayaan-3: What is soft landing and why it is important? In 2019, ISRO lost contact with the previous lunar module just moments before its slated landing. This time "Chandrayaan-3 is going to go with more ruggedness," said Sivan, adding "We have confidence, and we expect that everything will go smoothly." Abuzz with excitement India launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission six weeks back. The spacecraft uses rockets much less powerful than those used by the United States for its Apollo Missions in the 1960s and 1970s. It pays homage to India's "frugal engineering". The nation's latest moon mission carries a price tag of $74.6 million, far lower than other countries. After taking off in front of thousands of cheering spectators, the probe spent some time orbiting Earth several times to gain speed before embarking on its lunar journey. Last week, the lander Vikram, which in Sanskrit means 'Valour', detached from the spacecraft. Since entering the lunar orbit on August 5, it has beamed back images of the moon's surface, which have added to the buzz. Also read | Chandrayaan-3: Why last 20 minutes before soft-landing of Vikram lander will be most crucial On Tuesday, August 22, a day before the landing, ISRO took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce that its mission control complex was "buzzed with energy & excitement" and that the "smooth sailing is continuing." (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.

India's Chandrayaan-3 to make historic attempt at moon landing today

<p>The Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission achieved a safe soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening at its scheduled time of 6:04 PM (Indian Standard Time). The Chandrayaan-3 space mission's historic success has made India the first country in the world to land a spacecraft on Moon's south pole, and fourth country to land on Moon overall.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have become the 1st country to go near the south pole of the Moon: P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> <a href="https://t.co/mG6zpLb2gB">pic.twitter.com/mG6zpLb2gB</a></p>
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<p>With Vikram lander on the Moon, the rover Pragyan will wait for the lunar dust to settle before beginning to traverse the lunar terrain with its rear wheels which will leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-how-indias-chandrayaan-3-will-leave-imprints-of-isro-national-emblem-on-moon-616061">imprints of ISRO and India's national emblem</a> on lunar surface. For the world's most populous nation, a wave of anticipation that swept through its length and breadth&nbsp;since July 14 has achieved a glorious first conclusion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1694327342070431785?s=20">in an address to the nation</a> from the site of BRICS summit in South Africa's Johannesburg, described India's lunar leap as the moment which rung the bell of a developed India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some moments during the journey of a nation end up becoming the sign of its&nbsp;immortal consciousness. This is one such moment when we crossed the ocean of difficulties to walk on the victorious path of lunar surface," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It belongs to all of humanity," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The description of Chandrayaan-3 space mission's Vikram Lander making a small bounce on lunar surface during its moments of achieving the soft landing on usually dark southern pole of Moon make it the finest moment of India's space programme till date.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
'India🇮🇳,<br />
I reached my destination<br />
and you too!'<br />
: Chandrayaan-3<br />
<br />
Chandrayaan-3 has successfully<br />
soft-landed on the moon 🌖!.<br />
<br />
Congratulations, India🇮🇳!<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></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694327198394863911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Millions of Indians at home and abroad huddled around screens on Televisions, computers and smartphones as the world's fifth largest economy flexed its space muscles, stamping its name among the exceptional few of the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p>University auditoria across India were filled with youngsters witnessing the great heights achieved by their country's space programme.</p>

<p>The festivities swept through the nation, as sweets became the staple of celebration, tears became expressions of joy,&nbsp;and sound of crackers marked the historic moment for&nbsp;over a billion Indians. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sweets distributed at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> successfully lands on the Moon<br />
<br />
Track LIVE updates here: <a href="https://t.co/j90W3AZrxq">https://t.co/j90W3AZrxq</a> <a href="https://t.co/6aBuEAen2C">pic.twitter.com/6aBuEAen2C</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1694330722407039401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This will fuel our passion for advancing space research and technology, and we eagerly anticipate the valuable insights this mission will contribute to our understanding of the lunar surface," said Dr Sanat K Biswas, Assistant Professor of Space Systems Laboratory at New Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology,&nbsp;where a wave of tearful joy erupted across an&nbsp;auditorium as youngsters witnessed a moment for history books.&nbsp;<img alt="IITM | " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf2005f8-cdaf-446d-93b3-acdb095e3188" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T200342.668.png" /></p>

<p><em>Students at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology&nbsp;watched live as Vikram Lander of India's Chandrayaan- 3 space mission achieved safe landing on lunar surface</em></p>

<p>The institute was one among thousands across India that livestreamed the lunar landing on August 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The humble beginnings of India's space odyssey, symbolised within the image of the nose cone of an Indian rocket being transported on a bicycle to a launch site in Thumba in southern India's Kerala state in the 1970s, have now leapt into the aspirations of India's space scientists to simply reach for the stars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-what-makes-moons-south-pole-so-fascinating-614772">Chandrayaan-3: What makes Moon's south pole so fascinating?</a></strong></p>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 was launched into space from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh state's Sriharikota on July 14, 2023.</p>

<p>The mission&nbsp;orbited Earth several times to build up the necessary speed for its journey.</p>

<p>After Wednesday’s successful landing, rover Pragyan will now explore the surface of the relatively unmapped lunar south pole and transmit data to Earth over its two-week lifespan.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission achieved a safe soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening at its scheduled time of 6:04 PM (Indian Standard Time).

The Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission achieved a safe soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening at its scheduled time of 6:04 PM (Indian Standard Time). The Chandrayaan-3 space mission's historic success has made India the first country in the world to land a spacecraft on Moon's south pole, and fourth country to land on Moon overall. We have become the 1st country to go near the south pole of the Moon: P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director, #Chandrayaan3 pic.twitter.com/mG6zpLb2gB — WION (@WIONews) August 23, 2023 × With Vikram lander on the Moon, the rover Pragyan will wait for the lunar dust to settle before beginning to traverse the lunar terrain with its rear wheels which will leave the imprints of ISRO and India's national emblem on lunar surface. For the world's most populous nation, a wave of anticipation that swept through its length and breadth since July 14 has achieved a glorious first conclusion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the nation from the site of BRICS summit in South Africa's Johannesburg, described India's lunar leap as the moment which rung the bell of a developed India. "Some moments during the journey of a nation end up becoming the sign of its immortal consciousness. This is one such moment when we crossed the ocean of difficulties to walk on the victorious path of lunar surface," Modi said. "It belongs to all of humanity," he added. The description of Chandrayaan-3 space mission's Vikram Lander making a small bounce on lunar surface during its moments of achieving the soft landing on usually dark southern pole of Moon make it the finest moment of India's space programme till date. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India🇮🇳, I reached my destination and you too!' : Chandrayaan-3 Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon 🌖!. Congratulations, India🇮🇳!#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 — ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023 × Millions of Indians at home and abroad huddled around screens on Televisions, computers and smartphones as the world's fifth largest economy flexed its space muscles, stamping its name among the exceptional few of the world. University auditoria across India were filled with youngsters witnessing the great heights achieved by their country's space programme. The festivities swept through the nation, as sweets became the staple of celebration, tears became expressions of joy, and sound of crackers marked the historic moment for over a billion Indians. Sweets distributed at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC as #Chandrayaan3 successfully lands on the Moon Track LIVE updates here: https://t.co/j90W3AZrxq pic.twitter.com/6aBuEAen2C — WION (@WIONews) August 23, 2023 × "This will fuel our passion for advancing space research and technology, and we eagerly anticipate the valuable insights this mission will contribute to our understanding of the lunar surface," said Dr Sanat K Biswas, Assistant Professor of Space Systems Laboratory at New Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, where a wave of tearful joy erupted across an auditorium as youngsters witnessed a moment for history books. Students at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology watched live as Vikram Lander of India's Chandrayaan- 3 space mission achieved safe landing on lunar surface The institute was one among thousands across India that livestreamed the lunar landing on August 23. The humble beginnings of India's space odyssey, symbolised within the image of the nose cone of an Indian rocket being transported on a bicycle to a launch site in Thumba in southern India's Kerala state in the 1970s, have now leapt into the aspirations of India's space scientists to simply reach for the stars. Also read | Chandrayaan-3: What makes Moon's south pole so fascinating? Chandrayaan-3 was launched into space from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh state's Sriharikota on July 14, 2023. The mission orbited Earth several times to build up the necessary speed for its journey. After Wednesday’s successful landing, rover Pragyan will now explore the surface of the relatively unmapped lunar south pole and transmit data to Earth over its two-week lifespan. 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 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey

<p>As India awaits its historic lunar leap, WION spoke with former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr K Sivan, to understand the specifics of the much-anticipated landing of Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission.</p>

<p>Four years ago, in September 2019, the predecessor of Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved partial success after its lander crash landed on lunar surface.</p>

<p>This time around, the partial success of Chandrayaan-2 mission has served as a template for the Indian Space Research Organisation to achieve complete success of the lunar mission that has kept more than a billion people waiting with a bated breath.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After not making it in the maiden attempt (Chandrayaan-2 in 2019), India will make making its second attempt at Lunar soft-landing on Wednesday (Aug 23).</p>

<p>"If you bring the craft's velocity to zero before it touches down on the moon, then it will fall down like a football. If the velocity is higher than the ideal landing velocity of 2metres/second, then it will crash land on the moon. It is crucial to reduce the craft's velocity from nearly 2kilometers/second to 1meter/second, in a very meticulously calculated manner" Sivan explained to WION.</p>

<p>He was responding to a query on what makes Lunar soft-landing so sophisticated, that only three nations have done it so far. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-why-last-twenty-minutes-before-soft-landing-of-vikram-lander-will-be-most-crucial-627980">Chandrayaan-3: Why last 20 minutes before soft-landing of Vikram lander will be most crucial</a></strong></p>

<p>If all performance parameters of the Vikram Lunar lander are found to be ideal, ISRO's Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at the&nbsp;ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, would issue the landing command.</p>

<p>The landing process, also known as powered descent is meant to commence at 5:45pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Wednesday. The lander is expected to touch down on the surface of the moon at 6:04 PM IST.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September 2019, it was barely 2.1km above the lunar surface that ISRO lost contact with its then lander. Soon, they had learnt that the craft crash landed on the moon and the landing component of the mission was lost, thereby only leaving them with a Lunar orbiter.</p>

<p>The orbiter, which continues to circle the moon even today, has offered a significant amount of data and mapping, that would help Chandrayaan-3 in performing what its predecessor lander could not.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
‘Welcome, buddy!’<br />
Ch-2 orbiter formally welcomed Ch-3 LM.<br />
<br />
Two-way communication between the two is established.<br />
<br />
MOX has now more routes to reach the LM.<br />
<br />
Update: Live telecast of Landing event begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST.<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></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1693549487653048418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>ISRO's lander craft is to land near the Lunar south pole or 70degree latitude, an unexplored region with potential reserves of water ice, that could prove to be of significant use when astronauts look to settle on the moon or establish a colony.</p>

<p>Water ice could serve as rocket fuel (when split into hydrogen and oxygen) and offers great hope for a prospective outpost on the moon.</p>

<p>"Lunar terrain is not smooth, at the south polar region there is very harsh terrain, it has sandy, rocky features and even craters, boulders," Dr. Sivan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the potential gains from mastering Lunar soft-landing technology, he said that it offered the basic capability to land on other celestial bodies. Of course, each celestial body has its own features and challenges for landing, but lunar-landing would be a great start for India.</p>

<p>"For example, for Mars landing we need to factor in the existence of Martian atmosphere to slow down the craft. Whereas, there is negligible impact of atmosphere (slowing the craft down) while doing a lunar landing. More sophisticated additions will have to be done to the Lunar landing technology, for India to be able to land on other planets and celestial bodies," he concluded.</p>

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As India awaits its historic lunar leap, WION spoke with former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr K Sivan, to understand the specifics of the much-anticipated landing of Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission.

As India awaits its historic lunar leap, WION spoke with former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr K Sivan, to understand the specifics of the much-anticipated landing of Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Four years ago, in September 2019, the predecessor of Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved partial success after its lander crash landed on lunar surface. This time around, the partial success of Chandrayaan-2 mission has served as a template for the Indian Space Research Organisation to achieve complete success of the lunar mission that has kept more than a billion people waiting with a bated breath. After not making it in the maiden attempt (Chandrayaan-2 in 2019), India will make making its second attempt at Lunar soft-landing on Wednesday (Aug 23). "If you bring the craft's velocity to zero before it touches down on the moon, then it will fall down like a football. If the velocity is higher than the ideal landing velocity of 2metres/second, then it will crash land on the moon. It is crucial to reduce the craft's velocity from nearly 2kilometers/second to 1meter/second, in a very meticulously calculated manner" Sivan explained to WION. He was responding to a query on what makes Lunar soft-landing so sophisticated, that only three nations have done it so far. Also read | Chandrayaan-3: Why last 20 minutes before soft-landing of Vikram lander will be most crucial If all performance parameters of the Vikram Lunar lander are found to be ideal, ISRO's Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, would issue the landing command. The landing process, also known as powered descent is meant to commence at 5:45pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Wednesday. The lander is expected to touch down on the surface of the moon at 6:04 PM IST. In September 2019, it was barely 2.1km above the lunar surface that ISRO lost contact with its then lander. Soon, they had learnt that the craft crash landed on the moon and the landing component of the mission was lost, thereby only leaving them with a Lunar orbiter. The orbiter, which continues to circle the moon even today, has offered a significant amount of data and mapping, that would help Chandrayaan-3 in performing what its predecessor lander could not. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ‘Welcome, buddy!’ Ch-2 orbiter formally welcomed Ch-3 LM. Two-way communication between the two is established. MOX has now more routes to reach the LM. Update: Live telecast of Landing event begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST.#Chandrayaan_3 #Ch3 — ISRO (@isro) August 21, 2023 × ISRO's lander craft is to land near the Lunar south pole or 70degree latitude, an unexplored region with potential reserves of water ice, that could prove to be of significant use when astronauts look to settle on the moon or establish a colony. Water ice could serve as rocket fuel (when split into hydrogen and oxygen) and offers great hope for a prospective outpost on the moon. "Lunar terrain is not smooth, at the south polar region there is very harsh terrain, it has sandy, rocky features and even craters, boulders," Dr. Sivan said. Referring to the potential gains from mastering Lunar soft-landing technology, he said that it offered the basic capability to land on other celestial bodies. Of course, each celestial body has its own features and challenges for landing, but lunar-landing would be a great start for India. "For example, for Mars landing we need to factor in the existence of Martian atmosphere to slow down the craft. Whereas, there is negligible impact of atmosphere (slowing the craft down) while doing a lunar landing. More sophisticated additions will have to be done to the Lunar landing technology, for India to be able to land on other planets and celestial bodies," he concluded. 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 soft-landing will offer basic tech for landing missions to other planets

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