Lunar South Pole mystery out! ISRO shares information from the lander

ISRO has unveiled the initial insights gleaned from the payload of the Vikram lander, marking a significant development in lunar research. The data originates from the ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) payload and pertains to thermal characteristics on the lunar surface in the vicinity of the South Polar Region.

The investigation is conducted through the Controlled Penetration Mechanism, designed to delve up to 10 cm beneath the surface. This specialised device, referred to as a temperature probe, and is outfitted with an array of 10 distinct sensors to meticulously gauge temperature fluctuations.

The released information includes a graphical representation, showcasing the temperature fluctuations at various depths of the lunar terrain. Notably, this graph constitutes the foremost temperature profile for the Moon’s South Pole, offering a pioneering glimpse into its thermal dynamics. Elaborate examinations are currently underway.

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

The development of this payload was a collaborative effort between the Space Physics Laboratory and VSSC, Ahmedabad. ISRO’s head, S. Somanath, emphasised the crucial significance of the upcoming two weeks. He affirmed the availability of precise data and assured that additional revelations are imminent.

The intricate communication with the Chandrayaan spacecraft is a multifaceted process. It involves a time lag of approximately four hours to transmit acquired data, a task best performed during the moon’s visibility from India. Subsequent to the moon’s descent, the data will be relayed through ground stations distributed across various global locations. The transmission of data from these stations to the ISRO headquarters will naturally demand some time.