Pragyan rover changes route due to massive crater on Moon, leaves behind eternal tracks

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 28, 2023: In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that India’s Pragyan rover encountered a 4-meter diameter crater on the moon’s surface on August 27, 2023.

 

The unexpected obstacle was detected just three meters ahead of the rover’s location, prompting an immediate change in its course.

The Chandrayaan-3 rover had made history just days prior by successfully landing on the unexplored south polar region of the Moon, marking India as the first country to achieve this feat.

 

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

On August 27, 2023, the Rover came across a 4-meter diameter crater positioned 3 meters ahead of its location.
The Rover was commanded to retrace the path.

It’s now safely heading on a new path.#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 pic.twitter.com/QfOmqDYvSF

— ISRO (@isro) August 28, 2023

The encounter with the crater came during the rover’s ongoing exploration of the lunar surface.

The rover, which, landed on the Moon’s south polar region on August 23, managed to traverse a lunar crater with a depth of around 100 mm. This achievement has instilled confidence in the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) control room back home, which continues to guide and monitor the rover through several such challenges.

Upon detecting the crater, the Isro team swiftly commanded the rover to retrace its path and chart a new course to ensure its safety. This quick response highlights the meticulous monitoring and adaptability of the mission team in handling unforeseen challenges during space exploration.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is part of a broader global effort to explore the Moon.

Courtesy: India Today