The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has made an exciting announcement regarding the Chandrayan-3 mission. The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard has successfully detected the presence of sulfur, something that was previously impossible for the orbiters to do.
LIBS is an incredible technique that uses intense pulses of laser light to turn materials into plasma. By analyzing the electromagnetic spectrum of the plasma, scientists can identify the elements present. However, it does not provide information about the molecules in which the elements may have combined.
In addition to sulfur, the initial results from LIBS include aluminum, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen. Although no hydrogen, a crucial component of water, has been found yet, further investigation is underway.
This achievement follows the measurement of temperatures at lunar high latitudes by the Vikram lander. As we strive to establish a long-term presence on the Moon, it is essential to find ways to source necessary materials on-site. The discovery of water in frozen form near the lunar poles has sparked a renewed interest in lunar exploration.
If Chandrayan-3 can confirm the presence of ice, it will be a significant breakthrough. Each element discovered brings us one step closer to reducing the resources we need to transport from Earth. Sulfur, in particular, is intriguing as it could potentially be used to make concrete, offering an alternative to Portland Cement.
Even if the rover, Pragyan, does not find hydrogen in the studied material, there is still hope for finding lunar ice. The deeper the rover goes into the shadow of crater walls, the higher the chances of discovering surviving ice. However, the rover has not yet reached the optimal locations for this search.
Navigating the challenging lunar terrain is no easy task for a small rover like Pragyan. Nevertheless, it has been performing well with the support of Earth. Recently, it narrowly avoided a treacherous crater and is now safely on a new path.
