The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has deactivated the payloads on the solar-powered Rover Pragyan, which is located on the surface of the Moon. ISRO’s mentioned that the APXS and LIBS payloads have been turned off on 3 September 2023, and the Chandrayaan 3 Rover has been placed in sleep mode.
- The Rover’s battery is fully charged and is positioned to receive sunlight at the next lunar sunrise, expected on September 22nd.
- ISRO hopes for a successful reawakening of the Rover for additional tasks. If unsuccessful, the Rover will remain on the lunar surface as India’s lunar ambassador.
- Earlier, ISRO had shared a video of the Rover moving on the lunar surface, describing it in a playful manner.
- The 26 kg, six-wheeled, solar-powered Rover has provided important data about lunar soil and rocks, particularly from the south pole, where Chandrayaan 3’s Lander Vikram soft-landed on August 23rd.
- Data from the APXS payload has confirmed the presence of elements such as sulfur, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and iron on the Moon.
- The Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument has also confirmed the presence of sulfur on the Moon.
Q.: Why did the Chandrayaan 3 Rover Pragyan pause operations on the Moon’s surface?
a) Loss of connectivity from ground station
b) Scheduled maintenance and software update
c) The presence of adverse lunar weather conditions
d) Awaiting the next lunar sunrise for power supply
Answer: d) Awaiting the next lunar sunrise for power supply
