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As anticipation grows for India’s planned Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing on Wednesday, an expert delves into the fascinating world of Moon exploration. The Moon has captivated human curiosity for centuries, and with each new mission, we uncover more about its geological history, composition, and potential for scientific discovery.

Dr. TV Venkateswaran, a scientist at Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and a member of the public outreach committee of the Astronomical Society of India, answers key questions about the Moon’s geological evolution, the significance of its south pole, the presence of water and ice, and India’s ambitious plans for lunar exploration.

What is Moon’s geological history and evolution? In other words, how old it is, and when/how did it form?

The Moon is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old, roughly the same age as the Earth. The leading theory about the Moon’s formation suggests that a Mars-sized celestial body collided with the young Earth, and the debris from this collision eventually coalesced to form the lunar body. However, current geological evidence from Moon suggests that it may be younger by just 60 million years compared to Earth.

How much do things weigh on the Moon, relative to Earth, and why?

The Moon’s gravitational pull is much weaker than Earth’s, approximately one-sixth of Earth’s gravity. As a result, objects on the Moon weigh significantly less than they do on Earth. This is due to the Moon’s smaller size and mass. For example, a person weighing 68 kilograms on the Earth would weigh only over 11 kg on the Moon.

Why do Indian scientists want to land on Moon’s south pole?

The lunar south pole has become a focal point for exploration due to its unique features and potential scientific value. It is believed to host a vast reservoir of water ice in permanently shadowed regions. The presence of water is of immense significance for future space exploration, as it can be converted into resources such as drinking water, oxygen, and hydrogen for rocket fuel. Also, the permanently sunlit area in the region has a temperature of around minus 50 to 10 degrees Celsius, which provide a better chemical condition for the electronics onboard the rover and lander to work properly.

What is in the lunar south pole? Is the terrain and geology there the same as elsewhere on the Moon or do we have no idea?

The terrain and geology at the Moon’s south pole are distinct from other regions. Permanently shadowed craters provide extremely cold conditions that allow water ice to accumulate and persist. The unique geography of the south pole also creates regions of perpetual sunlight, which can be harnessed for solar power. The terrain varies from rugged landscapes to relatively flat plains, offering a diverse range of scientific opportunities.

Why is a region of the lunar south pole permanently shadowed?

This depends on the Moon’s geology. The Moon’s axis is only slightly tilted relative to its orbit around the Earth. This results in certain areas near the poles being in permanent shadow. These shadows create extremely cold environments where temperatures can plummet to very low levels. These frigid conditions are conducive to preserving water ice for billions of years.

Does water/ice exist on the lunar south pole? Chandrayaan-1 seemed to have suggested it.

Yes, water ice has been confirmed to exist in the Moon’s south pole region. Data from various lunar missions, including India’s Chandrayaan 1, launched in 2008, have indicated the presence of water molecules in these permanently shadowed regions. This discovery has opened up exciting possibilities for sustained lunar exploration.

Is water/ice critical for future lunar exploration?

Water ice is a critical resource for future lunar exploration and even beyond. It can be converted into breathable air, drinking water, and most importantly, hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. This could revolutionise space travel by reducing the need to transport these resources from Earth, making long-duration missions more feasible.

Does India plan to send a manned mission to the Moon in the future?

While ISRO has expressed its intention to send astronauts to space as part of its Gaganyaan mission, there are no plans yet to send human missions to the Moon in the near future.


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ISRO Postpones Docking of SpaDeX Satellites Again

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ISRO Postpones Docking of SpaDeX Satellites Again

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission which was scheduled for Thursday, after the satellites drifted more than expected during a manoeuvre, ISRO said in a statement on Wednesday.

This is the second time that the docking experiment has been postponed.
It was originally scheduled for January 7.

In a post on X, ISRO said, “While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites, the drift was found to be more than expected post non-visibility period.”

“The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe,” it added.

Earlier, on Monday, the ISRO had postponed the docking of its SpaDex mission program, initially scheduled for January 7, 2025. The new date for the docking has been set for January 9, 2025. ISRO has not provided any specific reason for the schedule change.

On December 30, ISRO achieved a historic feat by launching PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads.

The SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, last week said that the SpaDeX mission was named “Bharatiya Docking Technology” because it is purely an indigenous mission, and India is carrying out the first such experiment related to docking technology.

The Union MoS further stated that SpaDeX’s mission very much aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Blue Origin New Glenn Set for Launch on January 10 from Cape Canaveral

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Blue Origin New Glenn Set for Launch on January 10 from Cape Canaveral

The highly anticipated debut launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has been scheduled for January 10, 2025. The heavy-lift rocket, designed for both commercial and government missions, will take off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A launch window of three hours, beginning at 1 a.m. EST, has been announced. The rocket’s inaugural flight marks a significant milestone for Blue Origin as the company aims to validate its capabilities and establish itself as a major player in the space industry.

New Glenn’s Mission and Capabilities

According to Blue Origin, as reported by space.com, the New Glenn rocket is a reusable, 320-foot-tall launch vehicle capable of carrying 50 tons (45 metric tons) to low Earth orbit (LEO). The NG-1 mission will test the company’s Blue Ring spacecraft platform, which is designed to support a variety of orbital payloads. This demonstration will include assessments of communication systems, in-space telemetry, and ground-based tracking capabilities. The payload will remain aboard the rocket’s second stage for a six-hour mission, as stated by Blue Origin.

Booster Recovery and Future Goals

The mission will also attempt a recovery of the rocket’s first stage booster, which will land on a ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, as per reports from space.com. The company’s senior vice president, Jarrett Jones, emphasised the importance of the flight, stating that rigorous preparations had been undertaken but that true insights could only be gained through actual launch experiences.

NG-1 is a critical step toward securing certification for U.S. national security missions. A successful outcome would bring Blue Origin closer to fulfilling these high-stakes contracts, further solidifying its position in the competitive aerospace sector.

This launch will serve as a proving ground for the New Glenn system, with valuable data expected to inform future missions and technology advancements.

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Spiders Detect Smells Through Leg Hairs, Claims New Study

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Spiders Detect Smells Through Leg Hairs, Claims New Study

New research has revealed that spiders use specialised hairs on their legs to detect airborne scents, offering fresh insights into the sensory abilities of these arachnids. This discovery has resolved a long-standing question about how spiders, which lack antennae like insects, can identify odours such as pheromones. Male spiders were observed using olfactory hairs, known as wall-pore sensilla, to sense sex pheromones emitted by females. This mechanism underscores their ability to locate potential mates through chemical signals.

Olfactory Sensilla Identified

According to a study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the wall-pore sensilla were found on the upper legs of adult male wasp spiders (Argiope bruennichi). These microscopic structures are believed to be critical for detecting pheromones. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed thousands of these sensilla, which were absent in females and juvenile males. This specific distribution supports their role in mate detection. Researchers emphasised to phys.org that these findings have mapped and identified the elusive sensilla, previously thought to be absent in spiders.

Response to Pheromones

Experiments demonstrated the sensitivity of these sensilla to pheromone compounds. Tiny amounts of the substance, such as 20 nanograms, elicited significant neuronal responses. The experiments involved exposing the sensilla to pheromone puffs, and responses were observed consistently across various leg pairs. The researchers concluded that spiders’ olfactory systems rival the sensitivity seen in insects, highlighting their advanced chemical detection capabilities.

Broader Implications

The study explored 19 other spider species and confirmed the presence of wall-pore sensilla in most male spiders, suggesting that this trait evolved multiple times. However, it was noted that some primitive species lack these structures. Future research is expected to investigate how female spiders detect smells, the types of chemicals relevant to their behaviours, and the evolutionary aspects of olfaction in spiders.

This breakthrough provides a foundation for understanding the sophisticated sensory mechanisms that govern spider behaviour.

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