Chandrayaan-1, Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) maiden mission to the Moon, has sent images which show that Moon may be rusting along the poles. This was disclosed by Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday.
Even though surface of the Moon is known to have iron-rich rocks, it was not known for the presence of water and oxygen, which are the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust.
Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are of the opinion that this could be because the Earth’s own atmosphere is lending a helping hand. In other words, the Earth’s atmosphere could be protecting the Moon as well.
The Chandrayaan-1 Moon data, thus, indicates that the Moon’s poles are home to water, and this is what the scientists are trying to decipher, according to a Department of Space press release.
While Chandrayaan-1 was launched in 2008, Chandrayaan-2 – the most complex mission attempted by ISRO – took shape last year.
According to Jitendra Singh, Chandrayaan-3 may be launched into space in early 2021. Like Chandrayaan-2, it will include a Lander and Rover, but will not have an orbiter.
The minister informed that preparations are on for India’s first Human Space Mission Gaganyaan. Despite COVID-related constraints, efforts are on to maintain the 2022 timeline for Gaganyaan.
