On Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the successful detachment of the Vikram lander from the Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module, marking the mission's progression into the final crucial phase of achieving a soft lunar landing
After a successful landing set for August 23, the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 will release the advanced Pragyan rover, starting the final phase of ISRO's mission. However, moving on the lunar surface is not as simple as it is on Earth
Since no one has previously landed a rover on the Moon’s South Pole, the Pragyan rover could face several challenges on the lunar surface as it ventures into an unknown territory. Moon's soil composition, roughness of the surface and extreme temperatures levels could test the durability of ISRO’s rover
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Pragyan rover will experience much lower weight on the Moon compared to Earth. This could affect its ability to grip the surface, as well as the force required for mobility. However, the objects are easier to lift on the Moon due to its weaker gravitational pull, which means rovers can carry heavier scientific instruments and payloads while expending less energy
The lower gravity can also cause diminished traction between Pragyan rover's wheels and the surface. This can lead to wheels slipping, especially on inclined terrains or loose regolith
Gravity on the Moon, which is about 1/6th of Earth's gravity, significantly impacts the behaviour and operations of a rover. The vehicles on Moon generate less downward force, potentially impacting the grip of their wheels and their ability to maintain contact with the ground
The lunar regolith (soil) can be rough and powdery, potentially affecting rover mobility, instruments, and solar panels. Dust accumulation might block sensors or degrade performance over time
Conducting subsurface analyses might involve drilling or penetrating the regolith (Moon rocks), which can be challenging due to varying soil properties and the need for precise control. One wrong move and the wheels of Pragyan rover could get stuck in regolith, limiting its mobility across the lunar surface
The south pole experiences significant temperature fluctuations, ranging from extremely cold nights (as low as -250°F or -157°C) to scorching days (up to 250°F or 120°C). The Pragyan rover would have to complete the experiments while the South Pole is receiving the sunlight for 1 lunar day or 14 earth days. After that, when the extreme cold temperature during the night kicks in, it could freeze the rover and make it none functional forever
Rovers cannot rely on GPS for navigation on the Moon. Additionally, communication with Earth involves long signal travel times, making real-time control and decision-making difficult. In Pragyan rover’s case, the Vikram lander module will be used as relay between the ISRO’s control centre in Earth and the rover on Moon. The operational fate of the Pragyan rover is connected to the health of Vikram lander, as any deterioration could lead to a loss of control over the lander
The lunar south pole's oblique illumination angle can create long shadows and uneven lighting, making it difficult for rovers to detect potential hazards or navigate with precision. Pragyan rover could face temporary communication blackouts when descending into craters or valleys, hindering remote control and data transmission
The lunar south pole is dotted with craters, boulders, and rough terrains. Navigating such hazardous landscapes requires robust mobility systems, precise navigation algorithms, and obstacle avoidance mechanisms
In May 2009, Spirit rover of NASA, designed for exploring the surface of the planet Mars, got trapped in its soft soil at a location known as Troy. Following extensive testing and carefully planned manoeuvres, NASA decided to discontinue its efforts to rescue the rover, ultimately ending the mission on May 25, 2011
Addressing these challenges requires a combination of innovative engineering, intelligent software, adaptive power systems, and meticulous mission planning. Overcoming these obstacles will enable Pragyan rover to explore the intriguing lunar south pole and gather invaluable data about our Moon's history, composition, and potential resources