In a surprising turn of events, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently deleted its latest post that contained remarkable pictures of the Chandrayaan-3 lander. The post revealed snapshots taken by Chandrayaan-2’s Orbiter, capturing the Chandrayaan-3 lander minutes after its historic touchdown on the lunar surface. This unexpected move by ISRO has left space enthusiasts and the general public curious about the reasons behind the post’s deletion and the significance of Chandrayaan-3’s journey.
The Deleted Post and Its Contents
The deleted ISRO post read, “I spy on you. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter photoshoots Chandrayaan 3 lander. Chandrayaan-2’s Orbiter High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) – the camera with the best resolution currently available around the moon.” This brief caption accompanied by captivating images had initially generated excitement and interest among netizens and space enthusiasts alike. However, the post’s subsequent removal has raised questions about the nature of the images, their significance, and any potential implications for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Chandrayaan-3’s Historic Touchdown
After a 40-day journey through space, the Chandrayaan-3 lander, named ‘Vikram’, achieved a momentous feat by landing successfully on the unexplored lunar South Pole on 23 August. This accomplishment not only marked a significant scientific milestone but also positioned India as the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon’s surface, following the United States, China, and Russia.
A Long-Awaited Triumph for ISRO
The touchdown of the Vikram lander carrying the Pragyaan rover marked a remarkable achievement for the Indian space agency and the nation as a whole. This triumph is the culmination of years of dedicated work, research, and innovation by ISRO’s scientists and engineers. The successful landing of the lander, along with the prospect of the Pragyaan rover’s exploration, brings a sense of pride to India’s space endeavors and signifies the country’s expanding space capabilities.
The Scope of Pragyaan Rover’s Mission
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission encompasses an exciting array of objectives that the Pragyaan rover is set to achieve during its exploration of the moon’s surface. Equipped with a variety of scientific instruments, the six-wheeled rover will embark on a mission to study the moon’s geology, mineralogy, and atmosphere. The rover’s payload includes an Alpha Particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) that will provide insights into the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface.
Exploration and Research
Pragyaan’s journey on the lunar surface involves conducting experiments to analyze crucial elements such as magnesium, silicon, potassium, calcium, and iron. Additionally, the rover’s observations will contribute to a better understanding of the moon’s unique atmospheric conditions and its day and night cycles. Through these efforts, ISRO aims to advance humanity’s knowledge of the moon’s characteristics and its potential significance for future space exploration endeavors.
Prime Minister Modi’s Interaction
In the wake of this significant achievement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bengaluru to meet with the dedicated scientists and engineers behind the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This visit, which comes after the Prime Minister’s two-nation tour in Greece, is a clear indication of the government’s support for and recognition of ISRO’s contributions to the nation’s scientific progress and global space presence.
