The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, currently conducting experiments on the Moon’s surface, has identified a “natural” seismic event on August 26, 2023. This discovery was made possible by the Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument. ILSA’s main objective is to measure ground vibrations caused by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events. Additionally, ISRO’s Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere device detected sparse plasma particles near the lunar South Pole region, where the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): A MEMS technology-based instrument on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander designed to measure ground vibrations on the Moon.
- Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere: A device onboard Vikram that measures plasma particles near the lunar surface.
- Lunar South Pole Region: The area of the Moon’s south pole where the Chandrayaan-3 mission is conducting experiments and making discoveries.
- Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India’s lunar exploration mission aimed at studying the Moon’s surface and conducting experiments.
- Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS): Technology used in ILSA for precise measurement and data collection.
