The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting ready to wake up the Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and rover after almost two weeks. Nilesh M. Desai, who is the Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), explained that this “waking up” process is automatic and cannot be controlled from Earth.
Desai, who leads one of ISRO’s important centers, mentioned that we should expect signals from the solar-powered lander and rover soon because the sun rose on the lunar surface on September 22. However, up to now, we haven’t received any signals, and efforts are being made to establish communication with Chandrayaan-3’s lander Vikram and rover Pragyan.
Desai emphasized ISRO’s efforts to make contact, saying, “As ISRO’s tweet mentioned, we’re working on connecting with the Lander and the Rover. They should wake up and send signals on their own, but so far, we haven’t received any signals.”
Both the lander and rover were put into sleep mode on September 4 and 2, respectively, to protect them during the lunar night. On September 22, the moon’s dawn arrived, and we will be informed as soon as signals are received.
The scientist mentioned that there’s a 50-50 chance of revival. If the electronics can withstand the cold temperatures, we will receive signals. Otherwise, the mission has already accomplished its goals. If the lander and rover are revived, experiments on the moon’s surface will continue.
Meanwhile, Mylswamy Annadurai, a Padma Shri awardee and former ISRO scientist, expressed optimism about the rover Pragyan but mentioned uncertainty about the lander Vikram. He said, “…I am pretty hopeful about Pragyan because it has been tested…But, with respect to Lander, we will have to wait and see…” regarding ISRO’s attempt to revive Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover of Chandrayaan-3.
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