Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover rolls out, what is it expected to do | Explained

ISRO sources have told the Press Trust of India that 'Pragyan' rover has rolled out from 'Vikram' lander.

The launch of the rover took time because Pragyan couldn't have rolled out till the dust kicked up by the touchdown of the Vikram lander dissipated. As the gravity of moon is a fraction of that of Earth, dust does not settle quickly.

Pragyan will first extend its solar arrays and roll out with a wire connected to the lander Vikram. The wire will be snapped once the rover is stable on the lunar surface. It will then start its scientific mission.

The experiments will continue for 14 days -- which is a single moon day. As the night on the moon begins, the solar-powered equipment is likely to shut down.

The data to be sent by Pragyan is of vital importance, given the traces of water found in the area.

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