Chandrayaan 3 : First Vikram broadcasts lunar south pole temperature profile

To understand the thermal behavior of the lunar surface, ISRO announced Sunday that the Chandrayaan 3 Chandrayaan 3 Thermophysical Surface Experiment (ChaSTE) payload has measured the surface temperature profile of the lunar surface near the poles.

While sharing the updates and graphs, Isro said: The graph provided shows the temperature changes at/near the lunar surface at various depths recorded during the spacecraft’s intrusion.

This is the first such profile of the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are in progress. ”

The space agency didn’t initially provide details, but a scientist told Udaipur Kiran the data was still being analyzed. If you look at the graph you shared, the temperature changes range from -10°C to 60°C depending on depth.

The ChaSTE payload is equipped with a controlled penetration temperature probe capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm below the surface. This probe has 10 separate temperature sensors.

This is the first official release of data from the Moon following the successful landing of Vikram on Aug 23 and the subsequent deployment of the Pragyan spacecraft. All five Isro payloads in the probe and rover have started field testing and their performance has been normal so far.

Data from the propulsion module payload is also arriving at ground stations and Isro is expected to make further announcements on the rover once the initial data analysis is complete.