India’s lunar lander and rover have entered “sleep mode” on the Moon after their solar power source was depleted, according to the Indian space agency, Isro. The lander and rover are expected to awaken on September 22, when the next lunar day begins.
This comes after the Vikram lander successfully touched down on the Moon’s south pole on August 23, making India the first country to achieve a successful landing near the lunar south pole. Isro has been providing regular updates on the movements and findings of the lander and rover since then.
Recently, Isro announced that the lander completed a “hop experiment” by rising 40cm (16 inches) and landing a short distance away, demonstrating its mobility capabilities. The lander and rover have completed all their assignments and have been prepared for the night by charging their batteries and turning off scientific instruments.
However, former Isro chief, Kiran Kumar, explained that the lander and rover may face challenges in receiving sunlight for long periods due to their location near the south pole. The rover, in particular, may struggle as it could get stuck in shadows caused by elevated rims of craters.
Isro has tempered expectations, acknowledging that the batteries of the lander and rover are not designed for the extreme temperatures on the Moon. Nevertheless, the agency remains optimistic about a successful awakening and the completion of further assignments.
It is worth noting that the lander and rover could potentially awaken again when the next lunar day starts, following a similar pattern to China’s Chang’e4 lander and Yutu2 rover.
As enthusiasts eagerly await the awakening of India’s lunar lander and rover, Isro’s updates will continue to provide insight into their progress and potential discoveries.
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