India's Moon Lander and Rover Face Uncertain Future After Communication Loss
Vikram and Pragyan were placed in sleep mode to safeguard their electronic components during the moon's two-week night. Initially, ISRO scientists expressed confidence that the spacecraft would reawaken around September 22.
Hopes are dwindling for the revival of India's moon lander, Vikram, and its rover, Pragyan, after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lost contact with the spacecraft during a lunar night shutdown. These setbacks come following the historic landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon's south pole in August.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
— ISRO (@isro) September 22, 2023
Efforts have been made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to ascertain their wake-up condition.
As of now, no signals have been received from them.
Efforts to establish contact will continue.
On September 2, Vikram and Pragyan were placed in sleep mode to safeguard their electronic components during the moon's frigid two-week night. Initially, ISRO scientists expressed confidence that the spacecraft would reawaken around September 22, once exposed to sunlight for recharging.
However, attempts to reestablish contact have been unsuccessful, and ISRO concedes that "hopes are dimming" for their revival survival under such conditions. Efforts to reconnect will continue.
Despite the setback, ISRO highlights the mission's significant accomplishments, making India the first country to reach the lunar south pole and the fourth to land on the moon. The Pragyan rover spent over a week collecting data on the lunar surface, confirming the presence of elements like sulphur, iron, and oxygen, enhancing our understanding of Earth's natural satellite.