India’s Probe In Moon

India has become the fourth country to enter the exclusive moon club. Chandrayaan the first unmanned satellite of India has been launched. During the flight the satellite’s video camera took pictures of the moon, the spectrometer began its analysis and the altitude meter did what is known as ranging. While approaching the moon, it slowed down slightly, and then spun. While spinning, its three instruments went into action.

When it was five km above the moon’s surface, the altimeter did the ranging of the moon. It would be worthwhile if there was a landing which would make India’s presence felt on the moon’s surface. It is believed that if this was done, India could always stake a claim to a portion of the moon. The MIP first transmitted its signal on its successful landing to the main orbiting craft, which in turn relayed it to Istrac. The whole process took less than 1.3 seconds. The Indian national flag is planted near the Shackleton crater.