The Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere-Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP), one of the three Indian payloads on the Chandrayaan-3 lander (Vikram), has successfully completed the first in-situ measurements of the surface-bound Lunar Plasma Environment over the south polar region. These measurements have been conducted to understand the impact of lunar plasma on radio wave communication and to aid in the design of future lunar missions.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the initial assessment indicates that the plasma surrounding the lunar surface is relatively sparse, with a number density ranging from 5 to 30 million electrons per cubic meter. The measurements were specifically focused on the early stages of the lunar daytime, and the probe will continue to operate uninterrupted to study changes in the near-surface Plasma Environment throughout the lunar day.

The RAMBHA Langmuir probe, developed by the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is a device used to characterize plasma. It consists of a 5cm metallic spherical probe mounted on a 1-meter boom attached to the lander’s upper deck. The probe is deployed after the lander’s lunar touchdown, ensuring that it operates in the undisturbed lunar plasma environment.

The system is capable of detecting minute return currents as low as pico-amperes and can accurately determine ion and electron densities and energies based on the measured return current. The measurements obtained by RAMBHA-LP will provide valuable insights into the charging process within the lunar near-surface region, particularly in response to fluctuations in solar space weather conditions.

Overall, the successful completion of these in-situ measurements by the RAMBHA-LP payload represents an important milestone in understanding the lunar plasma environment. It will contribute to the advancement of future lunar missions by improving communication systems and ensuring the design of robust and reliable spacecraft.

Sources:
– Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

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