India's historic Lunar mission unveils first images

Published August 25th, 2023 - 06:00 GMT
India's Historic Lunar Mission
AFP

ALBAWAB - In a groundbreaking achievement, India has shared the initial images from its remarkable lunar mission. The momentous event marked India as the first country to successfully land a spacecraft on the southern region of the Moon. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed the captivating images captured by the lunar rover named Pragyaan, which made its historic "first steps" on the lunar surface after descending from the module's ramp.

The unveiled footage offers a glimpse into Pragyaan's delicate descent, as it moves at a steady pace of 1 centimeter per second across the Moon's terrain, navigating rocks and craters. Notably, the rover's movement casts a distinct shadow in the lunar sunlight, underscoring the significance of this momentous event.

The primary mission of the lunar rover involves the collection of crucial data and imagery, which are then transmitted back to Earth for in-depth analysis. Equipped with two scientific instruments, Pragyaan aims to ascertain the presence of minerals on the lunar surface and delve into the chemical composition of the soil. Additionally, a key objective of the mission is to search for traces of water, a critical component for potential future lunar exploration endeavors.

This remarkable achievement highlights India's prowess in the field of space exploration, solidifying its position as a leading contributor to the global scientific community. Notably, the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lunar module was accomplished with remarkable efficiency, all within a relatively modest budget of around 6.15 billion Indian rupees (equivalent to 75 million US dollars). This accomplishment stands as a testament to India's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration while optimizing resources.

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