ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 enters second phase, awaits Vikram and Pragyan’s awakening
ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission poised for phase two as lunar temperatures rise
In a significant development for space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is poised to initiate the second phase of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The Vikram Lander and its companion, the rover Pragyan, successfully landed on the Moon on August 23. After a brief period of rest and recharging, they are now ready for this mission’s next exciting phase.
The scientific community and the world at large are holding their breath as they await a critical event: the awakening of Vikram and Pragyan. This significant milestone is predicted to occur when the lunar temperature escalates beyond minus ten degrees Celsius, a condition that will trigger the all-important communication circuit, known as the “wake-up circuit.”
Addressing the Lok Sabha on the Moon mission, Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed that all possible efforts were in motion to rouse Vikram and Pragyan from their slumber. “As we lay down to sleep on Earth tonight, Vikram and Pragyan may possibly be waking up on the Moon,” Singh shared.
The Vikram Lander made a successful touchdown near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, marking the completion of one of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s primary objectives of executing a soft landing on the lunar surface. Speaking about the prospect of Vikram Lander’s awakening, Singh revealed that everyone involved in the mission is eagerly awaiting the temperature rise on the Moon.
“As the temperature ascends beyond minus ten degrees, a wake-up call will be triggered, and Vikram and Pragyan will stir from their sleep,” Singh explained.
Singh further expressed the enormity of this event, stating, “This phenomenon will be a global first. As the nation celebrates the passage of the women’s reservation bill tomorrow, we might also get the opportunity to commemorate the awakening of Vikram and Pragyan.”
Sharing information about the imminent second phase of the Chandrayaan-3, Singh added, “The second phase of Chandrayaan-3 is on the verge of commencing within the next few hours. Our moment of anticipation lies in awaiting the activation of the wake-up call and Vikram and Pragyan’s response to it. Once they respond, communication from Earth will initiate, and we will be the first in the world to have achieved this feat.”
