In a challenging endeavor to revive the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s lunar components, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faces an uphill battle in reestablishing communication with the dormant Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. Despite their best efforts, there have been no signals received from these lunar explorers, placing ISRO in a time-sensitive quest to awaken these crucial elements of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the lunar surface.
ISRO’s persistent attempts to make contact with the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover and assess their operational status have, thus far, proved unfruitful. In a recent statement, ISRO reiterated their unwavering commitment to their relentless pursuit of reestablishing communication with these lunar assets, as reported by PTI.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission had successfully achieved a landing with both the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan Rover on the Moon’s surface on August 23. Their designated landing site, known as the ‘Shiv Shakti Point,’ held the promise of significant scientific discoveries.
However, the lunar environment presented formidable challenges. As Suvendu Patnayak, a former deputy director of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar, explained, lunar nighttime temperatures drop to a bone-chilling -250 degrees Celsius, making electronic components extremely susceptible to damage. The Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover were designed to operate optimally for just 14 days on the lunar surface, exclusively during the moon’s daytime when sunlight was available.
The Difficulty of Reviving Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover The challenges stem from the harsh lunar conditions, particularly the extreme cold that sensitive electronic components of these machines cannot endure. Patnayak stated, “It is very difficult for a few electronic components to function in such a wide range of temperatures. Hence, it was anticipated that they would cease to operate after 14 days.” Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope remains within the scientific community, with some experts expressing optimism that these lunar explorers may yet spring back to life.
As ISRO anxiously awaits any signs of life from its lunar explorers, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that these efforts to revive the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover will defy the odds and provide fresh insights into the mysteries of the moon.
