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Chandrayaan-3 mission! ISRO's Vikram lander may pave way for safe moon landings with NASA

Photo Credit: ISRO

There is life left in Chandrayaan-3 mission! Yes, it is far from being dead. ISRO has just accomplished a groundbreaking feat by turning the Vikram lander into a crucial guide for future Moon landings.

Photo Credit: NASA

In a collaboration with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander was used by the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) for precise laser range measurements on the Moon.

Photo Credit: NASA

The LRA, an extraordinary instrument weighing only 20 grams, consists of eight corner-cube retroreflectors mounted on a durable structure, serving as a reference marker on the lunar surface, India Today reported. 

Photo Credit: NASA

During a lunar nighttime observation, the LRO's Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) detected signals reflected by the LRA as it ascended east of Chandrayaan-3.

Photo Credit: ISRO

This joint experiment with NASA showcases the power of international collaboration in space exploration, marking a significant leap in precise location tracking on the Moon.

Photo Credit: ISRO

The Vikram lander, gently landing near the lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023, holds a unique position as the only miniature LRA near this strategically vital area.

Photo Credit: ISRO

Vikram's presence is crucial for current and future lunar missions, serving as a long-term geological station and a vital location marker on the lunar surface.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The success of this experiment extends far beyond the immediate mission, offering valuable data for understanding the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies.

Photo Credit: ISRO

NASA's collaboration with ISRO underscores the global effort to expand lunar knowledge, preparing for both manned and unmanned missions, aligning with the Artemis mission.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

As the Artemis mission progresses, Vikram's LRA becomes a crucial tool, guiding astronauts and spacecraft to safe landings in low-light conditions and marking positions for further exploration.

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