Context
Scientists from ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) have identified Mons Mouton as the primary landing zone for Chandrayaan-4, India’s first lunar sample-return mission.
Overview of Mons Mouton
- Location: Situated in the Moon’s South Circumpolar Region (SCR) (approximately 65 degree south), specifically on the rim of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin – the largest and oldest impact basin on the Moon.
- Physical Profile: A mountain rising approximately 6,000 meters
- Topography: It features a largely plateau like, which is highly favorable for safe spacecraft landing.
Strategic and Scientific Importance
Mons Mouton was selected due to a combination of technical advantages and high-value scientific potential:
- Natural Resources: The area is located near permanently shadowed craters (PSRs), which are believed to harbor significant water-ice deposits.
- Favorable Illumination: Unlike most of the south pole, this peak receives sunlight for extended periods, providing consistent solar power for the mission.
- Stable Communication: The region offers a clear line of sight for radio communication with Earth, minimizing contact risks during complex operations.
- Geological Record: As part of the SPA basin rim, samples from this site could offer insights into the Moon’s earliest geological history and the solar system’s evolution.
