Taking a leap in lunar exploration, Chandrayaan-3 mission unveils the unexplored by discovering Sulphur and other elements on the Moon’s South Pole.
This recent mission by the India Space Research Organization (ISRO) stirs excitement in the scientific community as it uncovers a series of revelations about Earth’s beloved natural satellite, the moon.
The Composition Of Lunar Surface
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, equipped with the sophisticated rover Pragyan, has confirmed the previously unattainable: the presence of sulphur on the moon’s south pole.
The LIBS or Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy; an instrument onboard Chandrayaan-3’s rover, Pragyan, performed in-situ measurements which unambiguously validate the existence of sulphur.
This ground-breaking affirmation was impracticable using the instruments onboard the orbiters.
It’s not just Sulphur that the Pragyan rover has found. Preliminary analyses also identified Aluminum, Chromium, Titanium, and Oxygen among others. There’s still an ongoing investigation concerning the presence of Hydrogen.
The rover’s unique approach involved exposing the lunar materials to intense laser pulses to analyze the elemental composition.
The mission hasn’t been without its challenges. When a four-meter crater lay ahead, Pragyan was rerouted safely, demonstrating not just the scientific prowess but also the resilience of the mission.
Making Historic Strides
India’s distinguished achievement is marked by landing near the south pole of the moon for the first time in history.
Appreciation should be given to ISRO’s efforts, particularly as they succeeded days after Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft crashed due to an engine failure.
The journey and findings of the Chandrayaan-3 mission have made a notable impact in expanding our knowledge of the moon and its complexities. Furthermore, it underscores India’s prowess in space exploration, painting a promising future.
