Chandrayaan-3’s Thermal Probe Reveals Secrets of Moon’s South Pole

Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has achieved a significant breakthrough with its Chandrayaan-3 mission by obtaining pioneering scientific data from the previously unexplored South Polar region of the Moon.

The Vikram lander’s thermal probe, known as ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment), has successfully recorded temperature variations on the lunar surface. This innovative probe, equipped with controlled penetration technology, can delve up to 10 cm below the lunar surface and incorporates 10 individual temperature sensors.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.

ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's… pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd

— ISRO (@isro) August 27, 2023

The data collected by ChaSTE provides insights into the thermal behaviour of the Moon’s surface. This is the first time such data has been collected from the lunar south pole, and it is helping scientists to better understand the Moon’s climate and geology.

In addition to the thermal probe, the Vikram lander also carries a rover called Pragyan. Pragyan is designed to explore the lunar surface and collect data on its composition and mineralogy.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone for India’s space program. It is the first time that any country has successfully landed a spacecraft on the lunar south pole. The mission is also a significant contribution to the international effort to explore the Moon.