India is all set to make history again. It is sending its second sojourn to the moon, Chandrayaan-2. It would be launched on July 15 by Indian Space Research Organisation. According to the ISRO, it will be the most complex mission ever undertaken by it. ISRO chairman K Sivan said, under the nearly Rs 1,000 crore mission, the landing on the moon near the South Pole would be on September 6 or 7 on uncharted territory.
By this, India will become the first country to attempt a soft landing on the south polar region of the moon. Chandrayaan-2 will have three modules, Orbiter, Lander (Vikram) and Rover (Pragyan).
Here are some interesting facts about this going to be historical mission:
- Lander: Its name is inspired by the father of the Indian space programme, Vikram Sarabhai. This will touch down on a rugged lunar surface in 15 minutes. Mr K Sivan says it would be the “most terrifying moment” of the mission. It is because this is a flight Isro has never undertaken.
- The money involved in making this mission is Rs 1,000 crore.
- The estimated weight of the spacecraft is 3.8 tonnes.
- It is made to carry out various experiments, including mapping of the surface, minerals, chemical composition, detection sparse water molecules above the lunar surface and rock formations.
- Chandrayaan-2 will carry a total of 15 payloads – 8 on the Orbiter, 3 on the Lander, 2 on the Rover, as well as 1 passive experiment from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the US.
- The entire lifecycle of the Lander and Rover will be one lunar day, means equal to 14 earth days while the Orbiter will continue for one year.
- The launch would take place at 2.51 am on July 15.