The Pragyan rover, a pivotal component of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, has uncovered astounding revelations about the Moon’s surface composition. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced that the rover’s Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) instrument has unequivocally detected sulphur near the Moon’s south pole. This groundbreaking finding marks a significant stride towards understanding the lunar surface’s elemental composition.
Pragyan Rover Confirms Sulphur’s Presence on Lunar Surface
The Pragyan rover’s LIBS instrument has conducted unprecedented in-situ measurements, confirming the presence of sulphur on the lunar surface, particularly near the Moon’s south pole. ISRO conveyed this momentous discovery through a social media post, highlighting the rover’s role in advancing lunar exploration. Moreover, the post elucidated that the rover’s capabilities extended beyond sulphur detection, as it identified other elements such as aluminium, calcium, ferrous, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen, aligning with expectations.
Ongoing Quest for Hydrogen for Future Endeavors
While the confirmation of sulphur on the Moon’s surface stands as a milestone, ISRO’s pursuit of knowledge does not cease. The space agency continues its quest to uncover hydrogen in the Moon’s south polar region; this endeavor holds the potential to reveal vital insights into lunar water resources and the Moon’s geological evolution. As the solar-powered Pragyan rover and Vikram lander persevere in their scientific investigations, the mission is expected to persist for an additional seven days.
Since its deployment from the Vikram lander, the Pragyan rover has ventured approximately eight meters, contributing to the mission’s overarching objectives. One primary mission goal is to meticulously study the chemical composition of lunar dust and gravel, casting light on the Moon’s geology and atmosphere. This knowledge not only deepens our comprehension of the Moon but also offers valuable perspectives on Earth’s celestial neighbor.
Read more: Chandrayaan-3 Makes Historic Landing on the Moon
