ISRO releases Chandrayaan-3 data to global scientific community; check key details of the mission

Chandrayaan-3 mission (Image: ISRO)

In a significant milestone for space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made the data from its Chandrayaan-3 mission available to the global scientific community. This mission, which successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon on August 23, 2023, with the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, has garnered worldwide attention and underscored India’s growing expertise in space exploration.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission captivated millions, as the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover traversed the lunar surface, covering approximately 101 meters. This journey not only demonstrated technological excellence but also ignited national pride. The data collected during this mission is now accessible to researchers and scientists across the world, reflecting ISRO’s dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering international collaboration in space science.

1. Historic Landing: The Vikram Lander achieved a historic soft landing at the Moon's southern high latitudes on August 23, 2023, marking a pivotal achievement for ISRO and India’s space programme.
2. Scientific Exploration: Following the landing, the Pragyan Rover explored the lunar surface, gathering valuable data. The mission's payloads on the Lander, Rover, and Propulsion Module collected in-situ data on lunar seismic activity, thermo-physical properties, the plasma environment, and the elemental composition of the landing region.
3. Global Data Release: On National Space Day 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Space), officially released the Chandrayaan-3 science data to the public, making it accessible to the global scientific community. The data, meticulously archived by the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC), is stored in the Planetary Data System-4 (PDS4) standard, ensuring it meets international scientific standards.

The Chandrayaan-3 datasets are now available on the PRADAN (Policy-based data Retrieval, Analytics, Dissemination, and Notification) system, a web application developed by ISSDC. Researchers and scientists can register on the PRADAN portal to browse, access, and analyse the mission’s data.

The data from Chandrayaan-3 offers valuable insights into the Moon’s seismic activity, thermal properties, plasma environment, and elemental composition—critical information for advancing lunar science and aiding future missions. By making this data openly accessible, ISRO is encouraging global collaboration in space research, allowing scientists worldwide to benefit from the findings of this mission.

The Chandrayaan-3 data has undergone rigorous peer review to ensure its accuracy and reliability, making it a crucial resource for scientific research. The PRADAN portal will play a key role in disseminating this information, ensuring that the legacy of Chandrayaan-3 continues to impact the scientific community for years to come.

As scientists around the world delve into this data, the Chandrayaan-3 mission stands as a testament to India’s commitment to space exploration and its role in the global scientific endeavour.