Vikram and Pragyan are busy on the Moon: Here's what they have been up to

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has made significant progress and new discoveries on the Moon with the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The mission's Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have been conducting a series of experiments on the Moon's surface since their successful landing on August 23, 2023.

The Vikram lander, named after the father of Indian space research Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, has been stationed at a fixed position near the lunar south pole known as Shiva Shakti point.

Its primary task was to measure the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the Moon's surface. This experiment, known as the Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), has provided valuable insights into the thermal properties of the lunar surface.

Meanwhile, the Pragyan rover, capable of moving up to 500 meters from the landing site, has been actively exploring the lunar surface. It has confirmed the presence of sulphur and other elements such as aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen at the lunar south pole.

These findings were made using the rover's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). The search for hydrogen is also underway.

In addition to these elemental discoveries, the Pragyan rover has been using another technique to confirm the presence of these elements, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The rover's LIBS has been instrumental in detecting the presence of sulphur and oxygen on the Moon's surface.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission has also been studying lunar quakes, mineral compositions, and the electrons and ions near the surface of the Moon known as the plasma environment. The mission aims to further study water-ice, the presence of which was detected by Chandrayaan-1.

The Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) onboard the lander is studying the electrons and ions near the lunar surface and how they change over time.

The mission's findings have not only confirmed the presence of various elements but also shed light on the dynamic nature of the Moon's interior.

Evidence of recent volcanic activity and interactions between the lunar surface and the exosphere have been found, contradicting previous beliefs that the Moon was dormant.

The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has positioned India as a leading player in lunar exploration. With the confirmation of sulphur and other elements on the Moon's surface, Isro continues to unravel the secrets of our celestial neighbor, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Moon.