Work

Layering of lunar regolith at the Chandrayaan-3 landing site observed from the ChaSTE experiments from the lander

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT ChaSTE, onboard the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, is designed for in-situ measurements of thermal conductivity (K) and temperature profiles of the lunar regolith with minimal disturbance. The thermal probe with 10 Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors is used to measure continuous daytime lunar regolith temperature profiles to a depth of 10 cm and a 0.1 W heater foil is used to conduct heating experiments at depths of $\sim$4 and $\sim$8 cm. The estimated slopes from the heating curve are 3.2 and 5.4 K s−1 at $\sim$8 and $\sim$4 cm, respectively. The K values determined were distinctly low $\sim$0.004 W m−1 K−1 at $\sim$4 cm depth compared to those at $\sim$8 cm depth ($\sim$0.02 W m−1 K−1), indicating layering of the lunar regolith. An exponential increase in the motor current during the probe penetration below $\sim$6 cm depth further substantiates the impact induced stratification of the regolith.

Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stag1961

Authors: R Renju, Harish C Kumawat, C Suresh Raju

Institutions: Indian Space Research Organisation, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, LNM Institute of Information Technology

Language: English

Topic: Planetary Science and Exploration

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,046

Funders: Indian Space Research Organisation, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre