Chandrayaan-3: ISRO releases images of Lunar far side area captured by Lander camera

ISRO has released the latest images from the Vikram lander, showcasing the far side of the moon. The extraordinary images were captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC), a vital component designed to ensure a safe landing by identifying potential hazards such as boulders and deep trenches during descent. Notably, this camera was developed at SAC/ISRO.

Chandrayaan-3, India's ambitious lunar mission, marked a crucial milestone as the lander Vikram successfully completed its second and final "deboost" maneuver. This maneuver has significantly slowed down the spacecraft, positioning it into a precise pre-landing orbit measuring 25x134km. The controlled touchdown is scheduled for 6.04 pm on August 23.



ISRO stated, "The module will now undergo internal checks and await sunrise at the landing site. Powered descent is expected to commence on August 23 at 5.45 pm." With the mission progressing smoothly so far, ISRO is determined to achieve a precision landing near the lunar south pole, a goal that eluded its predecessor mission four years ago. It's worth noting that both Vikram and Pragyan, the rover, are designed for a one-lunar day's life, powered by solar energy. However, ISRO hasn't ruled out the possibility of life extension.

A remarkable aspect of Chandrayaan-3's mission involves rover Pragyan's anticipated descent from Vikram. This pivotal moment will be captured by cameras installed on the lander. Pragyan will then begin its movement on the lunar surface, utilizing its wheels and equipped with obstacle-avoidance cameras.

Also Read: Chandrayaan-3 completes second round of deboosting; comes closer to the moon

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath remarked, "Once the Sun sets, there will be no power for the lander and rover to function, and all the equipment will stop working. However, our tests show that there are possibilities of the battery getting recharged upon the next Sunrise. If that happens, we could get another 14 days, or maybe even more."

Pragyan's movement will be limited to within the lander's observational area, ensuring that the lander's cameras maintain constant visual contact with the rover. Currently, the movement is calibrated for 14 days, with ISRO planning to monitor the distance covered. Should the lander and rover's lifespan extend, Pragyan's journey could cover more ground.

Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25, which recently faced failure, represent the first of at least 10 other lunar missions planned between now and 2025. Nations like the US, Israel, China, and Japan, including a joint mission with India, are all eyeing the Moon.

These missions reflect a global resurgence of interest in lunar exploration and a collective effort to establish a more sustained presence on the Moon. Furthermore, the lunar orbit is becoming increasingly crowded, posing challenges related to potential collisions for all lunar missions.

ISRO Chairman Somanath previously explained in an interview with TOI, "We want the landing to happen when the Sun rises on the Moon so we get 14-15 (Earth) days to work. If landing cannot happen on the first two days (Sunrise and the next day), we will wait for another month and land in September."