According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian lunar rover “Pragyan” has completed its first set of measurements on the composition of the surface of the Moon near the south pole and has discovered sulphur as well as metals there.
It was not feasible to determine the presence of sulphur using the instruments on board orbiting spacecraft, but these measurements have confirmed its existence.
According to a report by the Indian Space Agency on August 29, preliminary studies that were conducted and graphically displayed have shown that the surface of the Moon contains traces of aluminium, sulphur, calcium, iron, chromium, and titanium.
In addition, they reported that additional measurements had revealed the existence of manganese, silicon, and oxygen. Investigations are also being carried out to establish whether or not hydrogen is present.
Using first-ever in-situ measurements, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) instrument aboard the Rover confirms unequivocally the presence of Sulphur (S) on the lunar surface near the south pole, according to the agency. Al, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn, Si, and O are also detected, as anticipated. The search for Hydrogen (H) has begun. The Laboratory for Electro-Optics develops LIBS instrumentation.
Data regarding the lunar soil temperature in the area where the “Vikram” spacecraft landed on the Moon were made public on August 27 by the Indian Space Research Organisation, often known as ISRO. The measurements indicate that the temperature of the lunar regolith rises to around 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) on the surface. According to statements made by ISRO employee BHM Darukesha to the Indian press, he and his colleagues estimated the heating to be no more than 20-30°C (68-86°F); therefore, they were taken aback by the fact that the temperature reached such a high level. He stated that it hit 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit), which is not reflected in the provided graph.
