India's Lunar Rover Pragyan Went into Sleep Mode

The Indian lunar rover Pragyan, part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, has entered sleep mode as the two-week lunar night descends. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) hopes to awaken it when the sun rises again over the moon's south pole on September 22, 2023.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission marked India's successful attempt at landing on the moon, specifically in the southern lunar region. After a brief but intensive exploration of the area where frozen water deposits are believed to exist within permanently shadowed craters, Pragyan was put to sleep. Its scientific instruments were powered down, but its battery remains charged, and its receiver is active.

The Vikram lander, responsible for delivering Pragyan to the lunar surface, also joined the rover in sleep mode. These two vehicles will hopefully reawaken, continuing their mission when sunlight returns.