NASA unveils 'Bird's Eye View' of Chandrayaan-3 landing Site on the Moon's surface

Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA have jointly unveiled captivating images of the Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander on the Moon's surface. These images shed new light on the ambitious mission's progress and its potential for extended operations.

ISRO recently shared a remarkable 3D image of the Vikram lander, captured by the Pragyaan rover. The high-resolution image offers a detailed look at the lander's condition, hinting at the possibility of continued functionality.

Meanwhile, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), a vital asset in lunar exploration, provided a unique "bird's eye view" of the landing site. The LRO, orbiting the Moon in an eccentric polar orbit, captured the Chandrayaan-3 landing site with a 42-degree slew angle, showcasing a bright halo caused by the rocket plume interacting with lunar soil.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, designed for approximately one lunar day or roughly 14 Earth days of operation, faced the challenge of surviving the harsh lunar night, where temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling minus 120 degrees Celsius.

ISRO recently announced the initiation of hibernation mode for both the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover as daylight hours on the Moon dwindled. The rover's battery was fully charged, and its solar panel was aligned to receive the upcoming sunlight, expected on September 22, 2023.

ISRO Chairman S. Somnath expressed optimism about the lander and rover's chances of enduring the lunar night and potentially springing back to life as the lunar dawn approaches. The mission's survival beyond its designed timeframe would mark a significant achievement for both Indian and global lunar exploration efforts.