Chandrayaan-3 Expedition: ‘Pragyan’ Rover Embarks from ‘Vikram’ Lander, ISRO Unveils Inaugural Image
In a significant stride for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Thursday morning that the ‘Pragyan’ rover has successfully disembarked from the ‘Vikram’ lander. This event marks India’s momentous lunar exploration feat as the rover made contact with the Moon’s southern polar surface.
“Chandrayaan-3 Rover: Crafted in India, Destined for the Lunar Realm! The Ch-3 Rover gracefully descended from the Lander, marking India’s lunar venture! Stay tuned for further updates,” ISRO shared on its social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Capturing the moment of the rover’s emergence from the lander, Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of INSPACe, posted the first image on X.
This achievement follows shortly after the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 successfully executed a soft landing on the Moon’s southern pole, an event that etched its place in history.
Comprising the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, the Chandrayaan-3 mission orchestrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved touchdown at 6:04 pm on the lunar southern pole. This achievement propels India into an exclusive group of four nations and secures its distinction as the first nation to accomplish a controlled landing on this unexplored terrain. The Pragyan rover initiated its lunar surface investigations at 12:30 am later that night. Equipped with scientific instruments, the rover is tirelessly examining the lunar surface, relaying data to researchers.
The Rover’s Egress Process After the lander’s hatch was opened, the slumbering rover was awakened in the early hours and gently guided out through a ramp. During this process, the rover remained connected to the lander through an umbilical cord to ensure a gradual descent. As the rover stepped onto the ramp, sunlight triggered its solar panels to activate, thus initiating battery charging. Once fully charged, Pragyan’s systems powered up, its cameras activated, and its scientific instruments commenced transmitting signals. After thorough checks, the rover was meticulously lowered to the lunar surface, and the umbilical cord was detached, allowing it to step onto the Moon’s surface.
The Path Ahead for the Rover Over the next 13 days, Pragyan will undertake a series of tests while journeying up to 500 meters away from the lander. All acquired data will be transmitted from the rover to ISRO’s Command Center in Bengaluru. A team of scientists is actively deciphering the data received, contributing to the mission’s objectives.
The nation rejoiced as news of Vikram lander’s successful touchdown spread. From President Droupadi Murmu to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was attending the BRICS summit in South Africa, and ordinary citizens, the elation was widespread as they witnessed this historic event.
Prime Minister Modi Connects with ISRO Chief S Somanath Following the triumphant achievement of Chandrayaan-3, Prime Minister Modi reached out to ISRO’s chief, S Somanath, to extend his congratulations. Addressing the achievement virtually from Johannesburg, PM Modi emphasized that India’s accomplishment belonged to all of humanity.
“In your name, Somanath, there is a connection to the Moon. Your family must also be elated. My heartfelt congratulations to you and your team,” the Prime Minister expressed in a phone conversation from Johannesburg, where he was participating in the BRICS summit. He promptly contacted the ISRO chief upon the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. “Please convey my greetings to everyone. If possible, I would personally extend my greetings very soon,” PM Modi added.
Somanath, appreciating the call, shared, “The Honourable PM called me and conveyed his greetings to each one of you and your family for the wonderful work you did in ISRO. Thanks to him for the support he is giving to us for missions like Chandrayaan-3 and missions that are in the offing. That’s the great word of comfort that we are receiving for pursuing the inspirational work that we are doing for the nation.”
