Chandrayaan-3 has successfully deployed the Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) instrument on the Lunar surface. This instrument, a part of the Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere payload, achieved a significant feat by conducting its maiden measurements of the lunar plasma environment near the south polar region
The first glimmer of findings emerged from RAMBHA-LP's measurements. These preliminary observations hinted at a relatively low plasma density surrounding the lunar surface. These precise measurements held the promise of addressing the interference caused by Lunar plasma in radio wave communication, along with offering insights to inform the design of future lunar missions
Venturing into uncharted territory, the RAMBHA-LP payload conducted the pioneer in-situ measurements of the lunar plasma environment over the south polar region
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The Langmuir Probe emerged as the main protagonist. This device, designed to characterise plasma, boasted a metallic spherical probe measuring 5 cm in diameter. Mounted on a 1-meter boom attached to the Chandrayaan-3 Lander's upper deck, it's a marvel of engineering precision
The probe's deployment was a choreography of precision. A hold-release mechanism initiated its journey after the lander's lunar touchdown. With an extended boom length, the spherical probe operated in an undisturbed lunar plasma environment, meticulously isolated from the lander's structure
The Langmuir Probe's functionality was awe-inspiring. It possessed the ability to detect minuscule return currents, even as low as pico-amperes, with a mere 1-millisecond dwell time. By applying varying bias potential to the probe, ranging from -12 to +12 V, the system precisely determined ion and electron densities, along with their energies
The nascent assessment unfolded, revealing the character of the lunar plasma near the surface. A story of sparsity emerged, as the plasma exhibited a number density fluctuating between approximately 5 to 30 million electrons per cubic meter
Operating without interruption, the probe delved into the ever-changing near-surface plasma environment throughout the lunar day. These ongoing observations hold the key to deciphering the intricate charging processes within the lunar region, especially in response to the dynamic solar space weather conditions
The journey of crafting RAMBHA-LP was a testament to ingenuity. Spearheaded by the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, this masterpiece of technology emerged as a pinnacle of scientific innovation
Barely a week after ISRO's historic lunar landing, Chandrayaan 3 stood at the forefront of new discoveries. The mission confirmed the presence of diverse chemical elements on the southern lunar surface, hinting at the rich secrets the Moon holds
The story came full circle as the Pragyan rover, a part of Chandrayaan-3, employed the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument. The lunar terrain revealed its composition, showcasing the presence of elements like sulphur and iron