India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has faced a challenging situation as its lander and rover have remained dormant on the Moon’s surface. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) made determined attempts to revive the mission on September 22, despite not receiving any signals from the lunar pair. However, ISRO remains resolute in its efforts to reestablish contact with the lander and rover duo, as it hopes for a potential awakening with the onset of a new lunar day.
India’s Persistent Lunar Awakening Efforts
The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 entered sleep mode on September 3, marking the conclusion of the lunar daytime, while the Pragyan rover joined it as its solar power diminished. As the lunar day and night cycle lasts approximately 14 Earth days each, the duo endured extreme lunar heat and darkness. Now, with the arrival of a new lunar day at their location on the lunar south pole’s Shivshakti Point, ISRO has resumed its efforts to revive the mission.
A Glimpse of Hope to Continue India’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Despite the challenging conditions, ISRO remains persistent in its quest to regain contact with Chandrayaan-3, the nation’s first successful mission to the lunar surface. While the chances of awakening the mission may be slim due to the harsh lunar nighttime conditions, ISRO’s determination underscores the significance of this lunar exploration endeavor.
India achieved a milestone with Chandrayaan-3 by successfully landing on the Moon on August 23, making it the fourth country to achieve such a feat, following the Soviet Union, the U.S., and China. Since its historic touchdown, the mission has been diligently exploring the lunar south pole, gathering valuable data, including temperature profiles and the discovery of chemical elements like sulfur on the lunar surface.
Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Makes Historic Landing on the Moon
