India's Chandrayaan-3 made a historic touch down on the Moon's South Pole at 6:04 pm on Wednesday, marking a monumental leap for the nation's space program. This achievement proudly establishes India as the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the Lunar South Pole
The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 underscores India's remarkable strides in space technology and exploration. This mission stands out globally, attracting attention for its audacious vision, cost efficiency and pioneering spirit
Notably, the spacecraft, including Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover, is covered with distinctive golden soft plates. These plates, also seen on various other spacecraft, satellites and instruments, have provoked curiosity among the non-scientific communities regarding their purpose and significance
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Although the soft plates surrounding the spacecraft appear golden, they aren't made of gold. Arvind Paranjape from Nehru Planetarium had earlier clarified that it's Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), composed of layered soft plates. Outer layers are golden, while inner layers are silver or white
MLI plates are constructed from polyester material, coated with aluminium. This combination provides durability, ensuring effective insulation and protection for the spacecraft against temperature variations and radiation
These soft plates are strategically positioned, encompassing critical areas prone to radiation exposure. Their quantity and arrangement depend on the spacecraft's mission and its intended travel route or location
The core purpose of these soft plates is shielding. As the spacecraft journeys from Earth to space, rapid temperature shifts can jeopardise sensitive instruments. Sudden temperature changes may trigger malfunctions, making these plates vital for preserving functionality
The U.S. National Center for Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services explains that MLI plates are tailored to act as a defence against the direct sunlight falling on the spacecraft in space. This adaptability helps regulate temperature fluctuations, safeguarding instruments from minus 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Beyond temperature, space particles pose a threat to instrument integrity. These plates provide a protective barrier, preventing potential damage from particles and ensuring accurate data recording throughout the mission
In essence, these MLI plates, resembling gold plating, play a crucial role in maintaining the operational efficiency of spacecraft, satellites, and even space stations. They represent a remarkable fusion of engineering and material science, showcasing the intricate measures undertaken to explore and conquer the cosmos