September 18th 2023.
Palanivel Veeramuthuvel, the Project Director of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recently spoke with Free Press at the ongoing Vigyan Mela in Bhopal about the chances of the mission's lander and rover reviving after the Sun rises on the Moon.
He mentioned the harsh environment of the Moon's lunar night, where temperatures can dip as low as 175 degrees Celsius, and the low chance that the equipment aboard the lander and rover could survive such temperatures. However, he noted that the mission had already achieved its objective of lasting for one lunar day, and he was still hopeful that the lander and rover would wake up once the sun's rays illuminated the moon's surface.
When asked if the mission would bring tangible benefits to the common man, Veeramuthuvel spoke of the mission's importance in exploring space and understanding our solar system. He also gave the example of the possibility of water molecules present in the permanently shadowed region of the moon, which could be used to supply power to spacecraft and colonise the moon.
Veeramuthuvel expressed pride in the mission's successful soft landing on the moon, noting the overwhelming response that himself, the ISRO chairman, and the director were receiving from young students. He also encouraged students to innovate and try out new things.
Overall, the Chandrayaan-3 Mission has been an exciting and inspiring endeavour for India, and it will be intriguing to see what the future brings for the lander and rover.
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