Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad) made this discovery by analyzing data from the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter's Dual-Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR).
- DFSAR is the first fully polarimetric SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) designed to study the Moon.
About the Research
- Research focused on doubly shadowed craters, e.g., Faustini crater, small craters inside larger permanently shadowed craters within permanently shadowed regions.
- Permanently shadowed, these regions remain extremely cold (~ -248.15 degrees Celsius).
- Key Evidence: Radar Signatures and lobate rim morphology of craters.
- Lobate rim morphology refers to a crater rim that has a distinctive flow-like or lobed appearance
Significance of the findings
- In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU): Utilizing these local lunar resources means space agencies will not have to launch every kilogram of supplies from Earth at an enormous cost. E.g., drinking water, rocket fuel (water to be split in Hydrogen and oxygen)
- Scientific Leadership: India is not just taking part in the lunar race; it is producing critical data that could influence future lunar mission.
- It is in line with NASA led Artemis Accords (India has signed), which calls for transparent data sharing.
About Chandrayan 2
Other Lunar Missions by India
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