In a significant leap for lunar exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a groundbreaking discovery: Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover module has successfully identified the presence of sulfur on the Moon’s surface. The findings, which stem from the first-ever in-situ recordings near the lunar south pole, promise to revolutionize our understanding of the Moon’s elemental composition.
“The Indian Space Research Organisation shared the results on Tuesday, showcasing the profound implications of this revelation. The Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) instrument equipped onboard the Pragyan rover module played a pivotal role in unambiguously confirming the existence of sulfur (S) on the lunar surface near the south pole. This breakthrough marks the inaugural instance of in-situ measurements capturing such elemental data, signifying a major step forward in lunar scientific exploration”.
The data gathered by Chandrayaan-3’s rover module extends beyond sulfur. The instrument has also detected an array of other elements, including aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O). Initial analyses, portrayed graphically, unveiled the presence of these elements on the lunar surface, offering insights into its composition.
“Of particular interest is the ongoing search for hydrogen on the Moon, as mentioned by ISRO. The agency has underscored the importance of comprehensively investigating this element’s presence, as it could yield vital information about the lunar surface and its interactions with space and cosmic rays”.
“This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of India’s groundbreaking accomplishment of landing near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, a feat unmatched by any other country. Anil Bhardwaj, the director of the Physical Research Laboratory, lauded this achievement, emphasizing that India now enjoys a distinct advantage in the realm of lunar exploration”.
The LIBS technology responsible for this breakthrough was developed at the Laboratory of Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS), an ISRO unit renowned for its contributions to attitude sensors for low earth orbit (LEO), Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), and interplanetary missions. The LIBS mechanism involves creating a high-temperature, localized plasma using a laser, which is then collected and analyzed through spectrometry. Each element emits a unique set of wavelengths of light when excited by the laser-induced plasma, enabling scientists to determine the elemental composition of the surface.
“Chandrayaan-3, a sequel to the 2019 Chandrayaan-2 mission, encompasses three key objectives: demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the Moon’s surface (a goal unattained in Chandrayaan-2), showcasing rover roving capabilities on the lunar terrain, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments. These endeavors align with India’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and advancing our understanding of celestial bodies”.
The confirmation of sulfur’s presence on the Moon through Chandrayaan-3’s meticulous analyses is set to alter the course of lunar research. By unraveling the Moon’s elemental makeup and deepening our comprehension of its surface, this accomplishment opens doors to further scientific inquiries and expands humanity’s horizons in space exploration.
