Chandrayaan-3 provides First Scientific Insights from Moon’s South Pole

Bengaluru: In a significant achievement, the Indian space agency has successfully gathered the inaugural scientific data from the uncharted South Polar area of the Moon through its Chandrayaan-3 mission. The Vikram lander’s thermal probe has played a crucial role in recording temperature variations across the lunar surface, ranging from the outer layer to deeper regions.

The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) is at the heart of this breakthrough, meticulously measuring temperature changes within the lunar topsoil near the pole. This endeavor aids in comprehending the thermal dynamics of the Moon’s surface, as explained by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The technology employed involves a temperature probe equipped with controlled penetration capabilities, delving as deep as 10 cm beneath the surface. Notably, the probe incorporates 10 individual temperature sensors, enhancing accuracy and precision in data collection, according to ISRO.

Given the Moon’s lack of atmosphere, its surface temperatures exhibit dramatic variations. ISRO has aptly depicted these fluctuations using a graphical representation, showcasing temperature shifts at various depths during the probe’s penetration.

ISRO stated, “The presented graph illustrates the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probe’s penetration. This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway.”

The momentous landing of the Vikram lander took place on August 23, establishing India as the sole country to achieve a successful touchdown in the lunar South Polar region. The designated landing site was subsequently named “Shiv Shakti point.”

Chandrayaan-3 has already achieved two out of its three main objectives, which encompass a soft landing and successful rover movement on the lunar terrain. The third objective, involving in-situ scientific experiments, is presently in progress, shared ISRO.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.

ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's… pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd

— ISRO (@isro) August 27, 2023