But the Moon is a formidable challenge, to handle the micro-gravity / physics of controlled, powered descent. . . with no pilot on the stick -- all by software, pre-loaded. [As we've also mentioned, Russia, Japan and Israel have all failed / missed "sticking the landing" -- in separate attempts, in the last three years.] But here is all the good lunar south pole ice exploring good news:
. . .India has landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon, becoming only the fourth nation ever to accomplish such a feat.
The mission could cement India’s status as a global superpower in space. Previously, only the United States, China and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3’s landing site is also closer to the moon’s south pole than any other spacecraft in history has ventured. The south pole region is considered an area of key scientific and strategic interest for spacefaring nations, as scientists believe the region to be home to water ice deposits. . . .
The hope is that the mission will accurately estimate the "potentially potable" water ice at the bottom of these permanently shaded craters -- although as I've long written, humans on the Moon seems both overly expensive for the science dividend. . . and relatively speaking. . . pretty dangerous, to the humans.
In any event, onward; ever onward -- scorcher here -- and south of here, this afternoon, as well! May call for some lemon-flavored water ice. . . grin.
नमस्ते
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