ISRO Chief Reassures as Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan Rover Remains Silent
In a recent press conference, S Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), provided an update on the status of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. While the space agency awaits a signal from the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander, Somanath expressed a pragmatic view, stating that it wouldn’t be a problem even if they fail to wake up.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission, had the primary objective of landing a rover and lander on the Moon’s surface. While it is customary for space agencies to eagerly await signals from their missions, Somanath’s comments shed light on ISRO’s confidence in the mission’s success.
According to Somanath, the Pragyan rover, which is currently in sleep mode on the lunar surface, has already achieved its intended objectives. This suggests that the rover’s instruments and systems have performed their designated tasks during its operational phase.
One of the key challenges that lunar rovers face is the harsh lunar environment, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations. Somanath highlighted that the temperature on the Moon can plummet to nearly 200 degrees Celsius below zero. These extreme conditions can pose a significant risk to electronic circuits and the overall functionality of the rover.
However, Somanath remains optimistic, stating that the rover may wake up if its electronic circuits have not been damaged by the lunar cold. This demonstrates ISRO’s resilience and preparedness for mission challenges.
What sets ISRO apart is its pragmatic approach to space exploration. Somanath’s assurance that it’s “okay if it does not wake up” underlines the agency’s commitment to extracting valuable data and insights from its missions, regardless of the outcome.
In conclusion, ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to be a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space exploration. While the world eagerly awaits any signs of life from the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander, the agency’s chairman, S Somanath, offers a reassuring perspective that underscores ISRO’s commitment to scientific advancement, even in the face of challenges. Whether the rover awakens or not, Chandrayaan-3 has already made valuable contributions to our understanding of the Moon, reaffirming ISRO’s reputation as a space agency with a bright future in space exploration.
