• UGI USER
  • Jan 22, 2024
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LUNAR LANDMARK CONFIRMATION

Why in the News?

  • NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) successfully conducted a laser beam experiment on Vikram lander, confirming its position on the Moon.
  • LRA Functionality: Laser beams bounced off Vikram’s Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA), a 20-gram instrument with eight mirrors, validating all seven payloads on Vikram and two on Pragyaan rover.

Unique Features of Vikram’s LRA

  • Compact Sophistication: Vikram’s LRA, the smallest and most advanced among lunar instruments, holds potential applications, including guiding Artemis astronauts and marking spacecraft locations.
  • Versatility: Designed to last for decades, the LRA serves as a geodetic station, aiding current and future lunar missions.
Source: BBC
About Chandrayaan 3

·    Indian Space Research Organisation’s second attempt, following Chandrayaan-2, showcases India’s capability in safe lunar landing and roving.

·    On August 23, 2023, the Lander Module successfully executed a soft landing on the Lunar South Pole, making India the first to achieve this milestone and the fourth globally for soft landings on the Moon.

·    The Chandrayaan-3 Mission was initiated on July 14, 2023, utilizing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) from Sriharikota.