Advanced Data from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter

The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has sent important data related to the Moon, helping scientists study the lunar surface, ice deposits, and soil characteristics. ISRO stated that this data is extremely valuable in understanding the Moon’s polar regions. Scientists at the ISRO centre in Ahmedabad have created a radar map that identifies the presence of water-ice. This information is crucial for planning future lunar missions.

The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has been orbiting the Moon since 2019 and continues to send advanced scientific data. On November 8, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the orbiter has provided enhanced data that supports deeper scientific exploration.

The information received will help researchers understand ice deposits, surface texture, and the physical properties of lunar soil. ISRO shared on X that the data plays an important role in studying the Moon’s polar regions.

High-Quality Radar Data

The data includes crucial measurements describing the Moon’s physical and electromagnetic properties. The orbiter’s dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) has delivered high-quality datasets that significantly advance lunar research.

How Are Signals Received?

Scientists at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad used this data to create the first complete polarimetric L-band radar map of the Moon at a resolution of 25 meters per pixel. This radar system is considered one of the most advanced ever used, as it can transmit and receive both vertical and horizontal signals.

Using these datasets, SAC scientists have gained insights into the potential presence of water-ice, density variations, and the nature of the Moon’s polar areas. A specialized algorithm and data processing system were developed by ISRO's team to analyze the full-polarimetric data.