theblackalchemist Posted November 28, 2008 Report Share Posted November 28, 2008 Chandrayaan-1 starts observing the MoonParis: After India’s lunar orbiter Chandrayaan-1 released a probe that hit the Moon on November 14, the instruments on the spacecraft are now being switched on to get scientific observations started. The Moon Impact Probe was dropped close to the South Pole, where ice may exist in areas that are never illuminated by the Sun. It carried three instruments: a system to capture images of the Moon; a radar to determine altitude; and a mass spectrometer to study the thin lunar atmosphere. After the impact of the probe, the remaining orbiter instruments were switched on consecutively for their commissioning activities. The process of commissioning involves checking-out the functioning of the various instruments on the spacecraft to verify that all systems are functioning properly to carry out their tasks. The European near-infrared spectrometer SIR-2, which was commissioned successfully on November 19, was switched on and sent back data indicating normal functionality. It will, henceforth, observe the chemical composition of the Moon’s crust and mantle. Science observations from it were started successfully on November 20. Mumbai Mirror - Chandrayaan-1 starts observing the Moon , Tech - TechTalk,Mumbai Mirror Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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