In a recent turn of events, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed its plan to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on the lunar surface. Initially scheduled for September 22nd, this revival has been rescheduled for September 23rd due to unspecified reasons. This delay is a part of ISRO’s ongoing efforts to reactivate the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s lander and rover, which successfully landed on the Moon’s surface at a location now known as “Shiv Shakti Point.”
Key Highlights:
- Mission in Sleep Mode: The Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have been in sleep mode since the beginning of this month, following successful experiments on the lunar surface.
- Planned Rover Exploration: ISRO initially planned for the rover to explore a distance of 300-350 meters on the Moon’s surface.
- Current Rover Progress: As of now, the rover has covered a distance of only 105 meters, falling short of the initial target.
ISRO Mission’s Achievements:
During its operational phase, both the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted various lunar experiments. The Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of sulfur (S) on the lunar surface by examining an area more than 100 meters away from the lander. Additionally, the Vikram lander achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting hop tests in the southern polar region, which holds immense importance for future lunar missions and human exploration.
Solar Panels and Battery Charging:
Efforts were made to orient the solar panels to receive morning sunlight, and the batteries were charged using solar power before attempting to reactivate the instruments. If the machines respond positively and recharge successfully, the mission will be extended, allowing scientists to collect additional samples and continue exploring the lunar surface.
Conclusion:
ISRO’s perseverance and commitment to the Chandrayaan-2 mission are commendable. Despite the delay in reactivating the lander and rover, the mission has already achieved significant milestones, contributing valuable insights into lunar science. The rescheduled attempt on September 23rd holds the promise of further discoveries and continued exploration of the Moon’s surface. Stay tuned for more updates as ISRO continues to make strides in space exploration.