Desk:In August 2023, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander made history by achieving a soft landing on the Moon’s surface. Following this success, scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a new challenge. Vikram still had some remaining propellant, sparking a debate among scientists. Some believed it should not go to waste, while others argued that the mission had already succeeded and no further experiments were necessary.
Eventually, ISRO decided to modify its plan and conducted an unexpected “hop” experiment with Vikram lander. The lander lifted about 40 centimeters above the Moon’s surface, moved approximately 30-40 centimeters forward, and then landed again. This surprising leap not only amazed ISRO scientists but also provided valuable insights for future space missions.