Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has provided a remarkable insight into its Chandrayaan-3 mission by revealing that its lunar lander, Vikram, displaced an estimated 2.06 tonnes of lunar regolith, comprising rocks and soil, upon its momentous landing on the Moon's surface
Chandrayaan-3, which etched its name in history with its lunar touchdown on August 23, became a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours. The mission involved both the lander module, Vikram, and the rover, Pragyan, successfully navigating to the Moon's South Polar Region, landing precisely at the Shiva Shakti Point
During its descent onto the lunar surface, the Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module produced a visually captivating 'ejecta halo.' This striking phenomenon, encompassing the release of lunar material, was meticulously documented and analysed by scientists from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a vital arm of ISRO
NRSC's comprehensive analysis of the 'ejecta halo' revealed that approximately 2.06 tonnes of lunar epiregolith, a term denoting the surface material, were ejected and scattered over a substantial area measuring 108.4 square meters in the vicinity of the landing site
The in-depth analysis of the 'ejecta halo' phenomenon has been methodically documented and published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing. The scientific study, titled "Characterisation of Ejecta Halo on the Lunar Surface Around Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Using OHRC Imagery," offers valuable insights into the implications of lunar landings on the Moon's intricate surface
Chandrayaan-3's successful landing at the Moon marked a significant achievement, making India the First Nation to land on the lunar south pole. The mission's triumph was celebrated by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed it as a momentous victory transcending borders and benefitting all of humanity
Beyond its historic implications, the Chandrayaan-3 mission holds the potential to unravel enigmatic lunar mysteries, shedding light on the Moon's geological composition and characteristics
India's Chandrayaan-3 mission highlighted the nation's growing prowess in space exploration and emphasises the significance of international collaboration in advancing our comprehension of celestial bodies
The mission's success paves the way for continued lunar exploration, fuelling hopes of new discoveries and scientific advancements on the Moon