The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for scientific analysis and utilisation of data from all experiments of Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover. The Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved historic soft-landing in the southern high latitudes of the Moon on August 23, 2023, making India the first nation to touch down on the polar region of the moon. “To enhance the science outcome of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO seeks proposals from the national scientific community (outside ISRO/Department of Space) through this AO, towards scientific analysis and utilisation of data from all experiments of Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover,” the ISRO said. The AO is open to all faculty and researchers from recognised academia, research institutions, universities, colleges and government organisations of India. ISRO said that proposals could be submitted by individuals or a group of scientists and academicians from universities, colleges, national institutions, outside ISRO/Department of Space. “Only those having a minimum remaining service of four years before superannuation are eligible to lead the project as Principal Investigator (PI). There could be multiple Co-PIs in the proposal, however, PI will be the focal point for all communications related to the proposal. The proposals must be forwarded through the head of the institutions, with appropriate assurance for providing,” the ISRO said. It further said that all the proposals will be evaluated by a suitable review committee and the deadline for submission of proposals is October 21, 2025. The space agency said that the project shall be completed within three years. “Based on science deliverables and recommendations by the review committee, the project may be extended for one more year. Annual progress of all the projects will be reviewed by ISRO and comments will be provided for improving the project activities,” the space agency said.

Source: The Hindu