Overview
- Electron density at the Shiv Shakti Point measured about 380–600 electrons per cubic centimetre, exceeding earlier higher‑altitude estimates.
- Electrons exhibited high kinetic temperatures of roughly 3,000–8,000 Kelvin near the surface.
- Plasma conditions vary with the Moon’s orbit, with solar wind effects in daylight and Earth’s magnetotail influencing the site for roughly 3–5 days each lunar month.
- The RAMBHA‑LP Langmuir probe delivered the first direct near‑surface plasma readings, developed by ISRO’s Space Physics Laboratory at VSSC.
- Engineers are cautioned about risks to spacesuits, electronics, and communications, and ISRO’s model tentatively suggests contributions from molecular ions.