Pragyan began its journey, what information will it give after landing on the moon, how long will it be active?

In a historic achievement on Wednesday, August 23rd, India scripted its name in the annals of lunar exploration as Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the southern pole of the moon. Pragyan began its journey, Now, all eyes are on the upcoming phases of the mission , what information will it give after landing on the moon, how long will it be active?

Imaginary landling on moon surface 

After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's southern pole, Pragyan, the rover, has already begun its journey on the lunar surface. This marks a remarkable moment for India as it embarks on unveiling the mysteries hidden within the moon's southern hemisphere.

Exactly 40 days ago, on July 14th, Chandrayaan-3 took off with the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians, and on the 41st day, it sent a message back. The triumphant message exclaimed, "Dear Indians, I have reached my destination, and so have you." With the successful landing of Chandrayaan, the focus now shifts to the Pragyan rover, which has initiated its operations. The rover has already started capturing images, and the first images have been shared with the nation. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the touchdown and informed the world that the Pragyan rover has descended from the lander Vikram, marking the beginning of India's lunar exploration. Over the next 14 days, Pragyan will gather valuable information about the moon.

The landing images were captured using the Lander Imaging Camera. They depict a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site, with the lander's leg and its shadow visible. The images also indicate that the landing site is relatively flat. A communication link has been established between the lander and the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) of the space agency.

Lander Vikram after successfully land on moon Photo: ISRO official 

To ensure a safe touchdown, the lander is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, altimeter, Doppler velocimeter, inclinometer, touchdown sensor, and a suite of cameras for capturing status-related information. Now, the nation eagerly awaits the moment when Pragyan, the rover, provides comprehensive insights about the moon's surface.

How Will Pragyan Rover Function :

The Pragyan rover is a six-wheeled robotic vehicle designed to traverse the moon's surface and capture images. It carries ISRO's logo and the Indian tricolor. Scientists will analyze the data sent back by the rover to gain a better understanding of the lunar surface. Four hours after Chandrayaan-3's landing, Pragyan began its journey outside the Vikram lander. It will move forward at a speed of one centimeter per second. With the help of cameras, the rover will scan objects on the moon's surface and gather information. The payloads on the rover will provide a detailed analysis of various aspects of the lunar terrain. The rover will also provide insights into the presence of ions and electrons in the lunar environment.

Pragyan Rover coming out form Vikram Lander

Will get information about Water and Soil on the Moon :

Chandrayaan-3 is expected to function on the lunar surface for a lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 Earth days. During this time, Pragyan will operate and collect data. The unique challenge stems from the fact that the rover has to recharge itself using solar energy due to its landing on the moon's southern pole. The scientists are hopeful that Pragyan and Vikram might function for an additional lunar day, benefiting from the sunlight exposure. Both the lander and the rover operate on solar power. During its mission, Pragyan will search for water, study the composition of minerals, and gather information about seismic activities, temperature, and soil conditions on the moon.

How Will Information Reach?

Chandrayaan-3's soft landing is considered a pivotal part of ISRO's mission. However, the true challenge lies in gathering solid data about the moon. After the landing, the Pragyan rover will venture out for a lunar walk. But its task isn't complete until it helps Vikram in collecting data. Both entities will communicate and share information. Vikram will transmit the data back to Earth once Pragyan's task is done.

India's Mark on the Moon :

When Pragyan moves forward to gather data, it will leave behind India's mark. An Ashoka Pillar and ISRO's logo will symbolize India's achievements on the lunar surface. This act holds profound significance, representing India's dedication to progress in the field of science and space exploration. It showcases the nation's simplicity and technological prowess. While it's not yet clear how far Pragyan will travel within the 14 days, it is certain that its journey will add a unique chapter to India's legacy.

Prajnaan Rover's Payloads:

1. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope: This instrument will study the quantity and quality of chemicals, or elements, present on the lunar surface. It will also aid in the search for minerals.

2. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer: This payload will conduct a study of the elemental composition, revealing information about elements such as magnesium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, calcium, tin, and iron. This study will be conducted in the vicinity of the landing site on the lunar surface.

Vikram Lander's Payloads:

1. RAMBHA (Rover's Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer): Deployed within the Vikram lander, RAMBHA will analyze the density, quantity, and variations of plasma particles originating from the Sun that reach the lunar surface.

2. ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment): This payload will examine the lunar surface's temperature or thermophysical properties.

3. ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity): Positioned near the landing site, ILSA will detect seismic activities or moonquakes in the vicinity.

4. LRA (Laser Retroreflector Array): This payload aims to understand lunar dynamics by providing retroreflection capability using lasers.

ISRO's Vision :

According to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the rover's deployment will explore new heights on the moon's surface. ISRO emphasizes that both the lander and the rover will engage in scientific experiments, enhancing our understanding of the moon's geological and chemical characteristics. With payloads designed to study elements' compositions and analyze thermal conditions, Pragyan's mission will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights to lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-3 marks another milestone in India's space journey. As Pragyan, the rover, embarks on its lunar exploration, it carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to unlock the secrets of the moon's southern hemisphere. The success of this mission signifies India's unwavering commitment to space research and exploration, reinforcing its position as a significant player on the global space stage.

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