From minerals to environment: How ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 expanded our understanding of Moon

Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission has achieved an extraordinary milestone, forever altering the landscape of lunar exploration. Launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission has not only landed on the Moon's South Pole but has also unveiled a treasure trove of knowledge about Earth's celestial neighbour

Chandrayaan-3

On August 23, Chandrayaan-3 made history as it gently touched down on the Moon's rugged and previously unexplored South Pole region. This achievement firmly places India among the select group of nations possessing the capability to land on the lunar surface

Historic South Pole landing

Equipped with a laser detector, the Pragyan rover conducted a thorough analysis of the lunar surface. Its findings revealed a multitude of chemical elements, including aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen. However, the most captivating revelation was the presence of sulphur, a crucial element in unraveling the Moon's enigmatic origins and evolution

Chemical discoveries

Chandrayaan-3's mission detected a significant temperature difference between the lunar surface and just 10 cm below the soil. This unique characteristic of lunar regolith as an exceptional insulator could potentially revolutionise the way we conceive space colonies, offering a natural defence against extreme temperatures and harmful radiation

Temperature variations

The Vikram lander executed an unplanned 'hop' experiment, defying lunar gravity by rising approximately 40 cm and landing safely at a distance of 30-40 cm. This achievement underscores the lander's capability for lift-off in lunar soil, a development with far-reaching implications for future missions, including potential sample return missions

Successful 'hop' experiment

Chandrayaan-3's scientific instruments measured the Moon's plasma density, offering a dynamic perspective as it fluctuated between approximately 5 million to 30 million electrons per cubic meter during the lunar day. These insights deepen our understanding of the Moon's distinct environment and its interactions with the cosmic realm

Lunar plasma density

With the successful execution of Chandrayaan-3, India has firmly cemented its position as a leading player in the global space community. India's commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of space exploration has garnered international recognition

India's space leadership

The wealth of data collected during this mission holds the key to future lunar exploration. It ignites possibilities for forthcoming expeditions to distant celestial bodies, establishment of mining operations, and fuelling outposts, notably in the asteroid belt

Future lunar exploration

Chandrayaan-3's discoveries serve as a key to unlock the Moon's mysteries. They illuminate its potential as a platform for future space exploration missions, paving the way for humanity's deeper understanding of our celestial neighbour

Unlocking lunar secrets

India's dedication to lunar research invites collaboration on a global scale. The mission's findings can contribute to a broader international comprehension of the Moon's profound significance in the realm of space exploration

Data for international collaboration

Chandrayaan-3's triumphant success stands as a testament to India's unwavering perseverance and remarkable strides in the field of space exploration. It catapults the nation to the forefront of lunar science and exploration, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars

India's triumph

The Chandrayaan-3 mission has inaugurated a new era in lunar exploration, offering a wealth of invaluable data that will undoubtedly shape the course of lunar missions and redefine the trajectory of space exploration on a grand scale

A new era