Chandrayaan 2 set to launch on July 15

The detail about Chandrayaan 2, India’s most awaited space mission was conveyed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru recently by none other than K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO.

Sivan outlined ISRO’s vision on space science and interplanetary missions. Understanding the secrets of the inner solar system is an aspiration of both national and international scientific community. Specifically talking about Chandrayaan-2, he announced “The launch of Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 is planned on July 15, 2019 at 02.51 Hrs from Sriharikota”. Further, he said the soft landing of the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 on the Moon’s surface is likely to be on September 06, 2019. The briefing included the scientific objectives, challenges and benefits of the mission.

He also provided details on the orbiter, lander and rover as well as the challenging tasks of navigating to the Moon and inserting the spacecraft into lunar orbit. Dr Sivan then specially mentioned about the highly demanding task of soft landing on the lunar surface and termed it as “15 terrifying minutes”

Earlier during the day, the members of the press had an opportunity to view Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and lander at ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE), Bengaluru.