ChaSTE Probe

ChaSTE Probe measured the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the South Pole to understand its thermal behaviour.

ChaSTE Probe

About ChaSTE Probe: 

  • The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) is a temperature probe.
  • It can be driven into the moon’s surface using a motor to a depth of up to 10 cm. It has 10 sensors.
  • It measured the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the South Pole to understand its thermal behaviour.
  • It was developed by the Space Physics Laboratory of ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), together with the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.
  • Its findings reflect this variation between the moon’s surface, which is covered by a patina of loose rocks and dust called the lunar regolith, and 10 cm under it.
  • Its data show that at the moon’s surface (where the lander is located, a point between the craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N), the temperature is 40-50 degrees C. But just under 80 mm under, it plunges to around -10 degrees C.
  • Significance of the findings
    • The temperature variation indicates that the moon’s topsoil is a powerful thermal insulator, in keeping with previous findings.
    • It adds credence to the idea that it can be used to build habitats for humans to shield them from frigid conditions and harmful radiation.

 


Q1) What are thermal insulators?

A thermal insulator is a material or substance that has low thermal conductivity, which means it does not easily allow heat to pass through it. Thermal insulation is used to slow down or prevent the transfer of heat between objects or regions with different temperatures.

Source: Chandrayaan-3 probe shows a 50°C difference between the moon’s surface and 10 cm below.

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now