NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently unveiled captivating images of the Chandrayaan-3 Lander on the lunar surface, thanks to the remarkable capabilities of the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter's Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR). This radar instrument operates in L and S band frequencies, making it highly versatile for lunar exploration.
One of DFSAR's standout features is its ability to function without reliance on solar illumination, allowing it to operate in lunar darkness. Moreover, it boasts the capability to penetrate the lunar surface down to a depth of several meters, offering invaluable insights into the Moon's composition.
ISRO enthusiastically shared these groundbreaking images via the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), with a caption highlighting their significance. The images were captured on September 6, 2023, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
DFSAR's long radar wavelength is instrumental in delving into the lunar subsurface, permitting exploration down to depths of several meters. Over the past four years, DFSAR has consistently provided high-quality data, focusing primarily on lunar polar science. This data promises to unravel mysteries hidden beneath the Moon's surface.
In a prior update, ISRO had also shared an anaglyph of the Vikram Lander on the Moon. This image was captured by the Navigation Camera positioned at the top of the Pragyan rover. By merging images taken from both the left and right directions of Vikram, known as NavCam Stereo images, ISRO created this stunning anaglyph.
Additionally, ISRO reported that both the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan rover had been placed into sleep mode. This transition occurred after conducting in-situ experiments by the ChaSTE, RAMBHA-LP, and ILSA payloads at a new location. Data collected from these experiments is being transmitted back to Earth for analysis.
The revelations made possible by the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter's advanced instruments, including DFSAR and the Navigation Camera, are contributing significantly to our understanding of the Moon's composition and geological characteristics. ISRO's continued dedication to lunar exploration is poised to yield even more exciting discoveries in the future.
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