Chandrayaan-3 mission! ISRO's Vikram lander may pave way for safe moon landings with NASA
Photo Credit: ISRO
There is life left in Chandrayaan-3 mission! Yes, it is far from being dead. ISRO has just accomplished a groundbreaking feat by turning the Vikram lander into a crucial guide for future Moon landings.
Photo Credit: NASA
In a collaboration with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander was used by the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) for precise laser range measurements on the Moon.
Photo Credit: NASA
The LRA, an extraordinary instrument weighing only 20 grams, consists of eight corner-cube retroreflectors mounted on a durable structure, serving as a reference marker on the lunar surface, India Today reported.
Photo Credit: NASA
During a lunar nighttime observation, the LRO's Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) detected signals reflected by the LRA as it ascended east of Chandrayaan-3.
Photo Credit: ISRO
This joint experiment with NASA showcases the power of international collaboration in space exploration, marking a significant leap in precise location tracking on the Moon.
Photo Credit: ISRO
The Vikram lander, gently landing near the lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023, holds a unique position as the only miniature LRA near this strategically vital area.
Photo Credit: ISRO
Vikram's presence is crucial for current and future lunar missions, serving as a long-term geological station and a vital location marker on the lunar surface.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
The success of this experiment extends far beyond the immediate mission, offering valuable data for understanding the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies.
Photo Credit: ISRO
NASA's collaboration with ISRO underscores the global effort to expand lunar knowledge, preparing for both manned and unmanned missions, aligning with the Artemis mission.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
As the Artemis mission progresses, Vikram's LRA becomes a crucial tool, guiding astronauts and spacecraft to safe landings in low-light conditions and marking positions for further exploration.