The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has unveiled the latest images of the Moon as it embarks on its highly anticipated Chandrayaan-3 mission. Aimed at exploring the little-explored south pole of Earth’s celestial neighbour.
The striking images were captured by Vikram, the lander component of Chandrayaan-3, which commenced the final phase of its lunar mission on Thursday. This historic mission is set to culminate with Vikram’s landing near the Moon’s enigmatic south pole on August 23.
Vikram, carrying a rover within its payload, separated from the propulsion module that had transported it close to the Moon’s vicinity last Thursday. The released black-and-white photographs offer breathtaking close-ups of the lunar surface. Revealing intricate details of rocks and craters. Notably, one of these images also features the propulsion module.
Interestingly, Chandrayaan-3 is not alone in its quest to unlock the mysteries of the Moon’s south pole. This places India and Russia in a neck-and-neck race to touch down in this uncharted lunar territory. Should Luna-25 succeed, Chandrayaan-3 will secure the title of being a close second in achieving a south pole landing.
India’s Ascent on Lunar Exploration
While India is on the brink of becoming the fourth nation to achieve a soft lunar landing. Following in the footsteps of the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China. Its space agency reported on Friday that the lander module of Chandrayaan-3 has initiated its descent towards a lower lunar orbit.
Chandrayaan-3 represents India’s third lunar exploration mission, building upon the successes of its predecessors. Remarkably, this mission comes thirteen years after India’s maiden Moon voyage in 2008. It resulted in the discovery of water molecules on the lunar surface and the revelation of a daytime lunar atmosphere.
Chandrayaan-2, launched in July 2019 and consisting of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover, while partially successful, fell short of achieving a soft landing. The orbiter continues to circle and study the Moon to this day. While the lander and rover, unfortunately, experienced a crash during their attempted touchdown.
The global scientific community watches with bated breath as India and Russia embark on this historic journey towards the Moon’s south pole. Both nations are poised to contribute valuable insights into the lunar landscape and deepen our understanding of Earth’s celestial companion. As India’s Chandrayaan-3 approaches its scheduled lunar landing. Anticipation and excitement continue to mount in the world of space exploration.