Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Hindustan Times
Context: India’s lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted their first in-situ measurements of the lunar surface.
- The detection of seismic activity, which not only registered the rover and scientific instruments but also captured a “natural event”.
Further findings:
- Chandrayaan-3’s RAMBHA-LP payload made the first-ever measurements of the lunar plasma environment near the south pole.
- The assessment revealed relatively sparse plasma near the lunar surface, with a density ranging from approximately 5 to 30 million electrons per cubic meter, particularly during the early stages of the lunar daytime.
- These measurements are expected to aid in reducing noise in radio wave communication and contribute to improved designs for future lunar missions.
- The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) onboard the Pragyan rover detected sulphur and other minor elements using a unique technique.
