August 31, 2023
1 min read

Pragyan Rover Finds Sulphur, Several Other Elements On Lunar Surface

These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of sulphur in the region unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters….reports Asian Lite News

India’s moon rover has found the presence of oxygen, aluminium, sulphur and other elements near the lunar south pole, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Tuesday.

Investigation regarding the presence of hydrogen is underway, the Indian space agency added.

According to ISRO, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard Chandrayaan-3 rover has made the first-ever in-situ measurements on the elemental composition of the lunar surface near the south pole.

These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of sulphur in the region unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters.

LIBS is a scientific technique that analyses the composition of materials by exposing them to intense laser pulses. A high-energy laser pulse is focused onto the surface of a material, such as a rock or soil. The laser pulse generates an extremely hot and localised plasma, and the collected plasma light is spectrally resolved and detected by detectors such as Charge Coupled Devices.

Since each element emits a characteristic set of wavelengths of light when it’s in a plasma state, the elemental composition of the material is determined. According to ISRO, preliminary analyses have unveiled the presence of aluminum (Al), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and titanium (Ti) on the lunar surface.

Further measurements have revealed the presence of manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O).

LIBS payload is developed at the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)/ISRO, Bengaluru.

India on August 23 reached the Moon with its lander safely landing on the lunar soil in a text book style. Later the rover rolled down and started doing experiments. Interestingly, India’s first moon mission found the presence of water on the moon.

ALSO READ: India, Russia Boost Space Ties Post Chandrayaan-3 Success

Previous Story

New Delhi G20 Summit Set To Witness Largest-Ever Gathering

Next Story

Imran to remain behind bars as court extends remand period

Latest from -Top News

India Tightens Checks on Chinese Imports

India has ramped up monitoring of Chinese imports amid growing concerns of cheap goods being redirected into the Indian market following the United States’ steep tariff hike on Chinese exports. Commerce Secretary

Economists Warn of Impending US Recession

Leading global brokerages and economists are sounding alarm bells over the likelihood of a US recession, following the Donald Trump administration’s announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs on foreign imports. JPMorgan Chase &

Trump tariffs send world markets into panic

US benchmark crude oil shed $2.70 to $64.25 a barrel after major oil producers announced they plan to increase production. Brent crude, the international standard, was down $2.63 at $67.51 a barrel
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India’s Giant Leap: Chandrayaan-3 Lands On Moon

“India is on the moon!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi who

Chandrayaan-3 passes ISRO’s vibration tests

The 25 seconds hot test was conducted on February 24