India’s Chandrayaan-3 has transformed its Vikram lander into a reference marker, offering critical support for future lunar missions. In collaboration with NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) on Vikram enabled precise laser range measurements. The LRA, weighing only 20 grams, endures the lunar environment, serving as a long-lasting legacy for Chandrayaan-3.
During a lunar nighttime observation, LRO’s Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) detected signals reflected by the LRA. This international collaboration showcases the ability to track precise locations on the Moon, advancing our lunar exploration capabilities.
Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, having softly landed near the lunar South Pole in August 2023, becomes a miniature LRA near this strategically important area. It supports current and future lunar missions as a geological station and a crucial location marker.
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The successful experiment’s implications are extensive. Laser measurement data will deepen our understanding of the Moon’s dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies. Additionally, it aids in precisely determining spacecraft orbital positions, refining the lunar geodetic frame.
In this project, NASA’s partnership with ISRO reflects a global commitment to expanding lunar knowledge for upcoming manned and uncrewed missions. As the Artemis mission progresses, Vikram lander’s LRA becomes crucial in guiding astronauts and spacecraft during low-light landings. It also marks existing spacecraft positions for further exploration.
The innovative use of Vikram’s LRA underscores the collaborative efforts to enhance lunar exploration. With its enduring capabilities and strategic location, the Vikram lander contributes to the broader scientific goals of studying the Moon and preparing for future lunar endeavours. This achievement signifies a significant step forward in international space exploration and cooperation.
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