As the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover are temporarily under a "sleep mode," the anticipation builds for the lunar sunrise on September 22, 2023 for the revival of the mission. This pivotal moment could determine the fate of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking another significant chapter in ISRO's lunar exploration
When the lunar night descends upon the South Pole, temperatures plummet to an astonishing -200 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold poses a substantial risk to the rover and lander, potentially jeopardising their critical instruments
Unlike the Moon's equator, where sunlight falls on the surface for approximately 14 Earth days, the Lunar South Pole presents a different narrative. Here, changing seasons create dynamic patterns of light, influencing space agencies' meticulous planning to ensure optimal sunlight exposure during their missions
Currently, the module's battery is fully charged, and the solar panel is strategically positioned to harness incoming sunlight during the approaching September 22, 2023 sunrise. The receiver remains active, eagerly awaiting the potential resumption of its mission
Project director P Veeramuthuvel expressed hope for a successful mission restart on the 12th day of Chandrayaan-3. In the event of a restart failure, Veeramuthuvel noted that the module would remain on the Moon, continuing to serve as India's lunar ambassador
With the fate of the lunar lander and rover hinging on their survival through the lunar night, attention will turn to the exploration of a tantalising possibility on September 22: the presence of hydrogen on the lunar surface. Uncovering hydrogen could revolutionise space travel and exploration beyond our terrestrial boundaries
Hydrogen, if found, holds immense promise as a versatile resource. It can serve as a potent fuel and, when paired with oxygen, becomes a propellant for rockets. This discovery could potentially alleviate the challenges of transporting fuel from Earth, a costly and logistically complex endeavour
Crucially, hydrogen is an elemental component of water (H2O). Should hydrogen be detected on the Moon, it can be combined with the lunar oxygen found in oxide forms to generate water. This newfound source of water is essential for sustaining human life, supporting activities such as drinking, irrigation, and oxygen production
Photo: NASA
Beyond its applications in propulsion and water production, hydrogen has the potential to revolutionise energy generation. It can be employed in fuel cells to produce electricity, offering a sustainable energy source for lunar habitats and equipment. This innovation could reduce reliance on conventional power sources like solar panels and batteries, paving the way for more self-sufficient lunar missions