The Chandrayaan Rover, named Pragyan, is a crucial component of India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission, designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). As the first rover to be deployed on the lunar surface by India, Pragyan plays a pivotal role in conducting scientific experiments and exploration activities.
Design and Construction
Pragyan is a six-wheeled robotic rover equipped with scientific instruments for analyzing the lunar surface. Its design features include a robust chassis, solar panels for power generation, high-resolution cameras, and a suite of scientific instruments for conducting experiments.
Mission Objectives
The primary objective of the Chandrayaan Rover is to explore the lunar surface, analyze soil composition, map terrain features, and study lunar regolith. By collecting and analyzing data, Pragyan aims to enhance our understanding of the Moon’s geology, mineralogy, and evolution.
Launch and Deployment
The Chandrayaan Rover was launched along with the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft aboard India’s GSLV Mk III rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, on July 22, 2019. Upon reaching the lunar surface, the rover was intended to be deployed by the lander component of the mission.
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 meters x 1 meter x 1 meter
- Weight: Approximately 27 kilograms
- Power Source: Solar panels
- Instruments and Equipment: Includes high-resolution cameras, spectrometers, and other scientific instruments for surface analysis, soil sampling, and terrain mapping.
Current Status
While the Chandrayaan-2 mission experienced challenges during the lander’s descent phase, leading to the loss of communication with the rover, Pragyan remains a symbol of India’s technological capabilities and aspirations for lunar exploration. ISRO continues to analyze mission data and plan future lunar missions to further scientific understanding.
