Chandrayaan-3 remains in sleep mode, ISRO continues efforts to establish communication
Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, landed on the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. However, the lander and rover, named Vikram and Pragyan respectively, were put into sleep mode after 14 days of conducting studies and experiments on the lunar surface. As of September 27, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still attempting to re-establish communication with the lander and rover.
There are a few possible reasons why Vikram and Pragyan may not have woken up on schedule. One possibility is that the harsh lunar conditions damaged the spacecraft. The Moon's south pole is particularly cold and dark, and the lander and rover would have been exposed to extreme temperatures and radiation. Another possibility is that there was a technical problem with the lander or rover's communication system.
Despite the challenges, ISRO remains hopeful that it will be able to re-establish communication with Vikram and Pragyan. The agency is continuing to send signals to the lander and rover, and it is also monitoring the lunar surface for any signs of activity.
If ISRO is able to successfully re-establish communication with Vikram and Pragyan, the mission will continue its lunar studies beyond its initial mission duration. The lander and rover are equipped with a variety of scientific instruments that can be used to study the Moon's geology, atmosphere, and surface environment. The mission will also test new technologies, such as a lunar terrain mapping camera and a lunar rover navigation system.
Chandrayaan-3 is an important mission for India's space program. It is the first Indian mission to land on the Moon's south pole, and it is also the first Indian mission to carry a rover. The mission's success will demonstrate India's growing capabilities in space exploration.
In addition to its scientific and technological goals, Chandrayaan-3 also has a significant symbolic value. It is a reminder of India's long and rich history in astronomy and space exploration. It is also a testament to the country's growing scientific and technological prowess.