Bengaluru: In a recent discussion, Pramod Kale, a former ISRO director, provided a comprehensive overview of the sequential operations that will unfold following the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. This monumental achievement, upon success, will position India as the pioneer in accomplishing a south pole moon landing.
Incorporating his extensive experience alongside luminaries like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Kale elucidated that Chandrayaan-3’s velocity will progressively diminish from 6000 kilometers per hour to a standstill during the conclusive phase of its lunar descent. Transitioning from its existing orientation, the lander will pivot to a vertical stance before embarking on its final descent.
“After the lander completes its landing, a span of 2-3 hours will be required for the lunar dust to gradually settle,” Kale articulated. “Following this interval, one facet of the lander will deploy, facilitating the Vikram rover’s methodical emergence onto the lunar terrain. Subsequently, the rover’s solar panels will unfurl, initiating the power generation process.”
Elaborating further, Kale outlined the rover’s designated tasks encompassing thermal flux measurement and elemental analyses of the moon’s composition. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to investigate the presence of water, conducting an array of experiments aimed at detecting water reserves in the moon’s southern hemisphere. This ambitious endeavor, funded at a cost of Rs 600 crore, marks India’s third strive to achieve a gentle lunar landing.
Chandrayaan 3’s landing is anticipated to occur at 6.04 pm IST on Wednesday, August 23. The live telecast of Chandrayaan 3’s launch will be accessible through ISRO’s official social media platforms.