ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 continues making history: Lunar South Pole Yields First-Ever Scientific Insights

New Delhi, August 27, 2023: In a significant achievement for the Indian space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully obtained the first-ever scientific data from the unexplored South Polar region of the Moon through its Chandrayaan-3 mission. The thermal probe of the Vikram lander, a part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, has recorded temperature variations on the lunar surface at different depths.

The probe, known as ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment), is designed to measure the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, aiding in understanding the thermal behavior of the moon’s surface. Equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism, the probe is capable of reaching depths up to 10 cm beneath the surface and includes 10 individual temperature sensors.

The Moon lacks an atmosphere, resulting in drastic temperature fluctuations on its surface. ISRO has presented these variations graphically, providing insight into the lunar surface’s temperature changes at various depths.

ISRO stated, “The presented graph illustrates the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probe’s penetration. This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway.”

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander on August 23 marked a historic achievement, making India the sole country to achieve a landing on the lunar South Polar region. This landing site was later designated as the “Shiv Shakti point.”

The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s progress in gathering scientific data and understanding the lunar environment stands as a testament to India’s increasing capabilities in space exploration and research.