ISRO is just a few minutes away from scripting history on space. The ambitious Chandrayaan 2, which lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22 will reach its ultimate destination. The Vikram lander and Pragyan rover are expected to initiate soft landing on the lunar surface at 1.53 AM on September 7, 2019. If ISRO manages to execute the task successfully, then India will be the fourth country in the World to achieve this glory.
The Vikram lander measures 1472 kg, while the Pragyan rover will slide from within the lander and travel up to 500 meters on the lunar surface. The rover consists of 6 wheels and is designed to act as a robot. Moreover, the rover takes advantage of solar energy for the functioning. The Pragyan rover communicates with Vikram lander and sends signal to the base station.
Ever wondered about Pragyan’s different parts and how it functions? Watch the full video to find out!https://t.co/EuL6Gf72Jd#ISRO #Chandrayaan2 #Moonmission
— ISRO (@isro) September 6, 2019
The Pragyan rover is housed inside the Vikram lander and will slide down and travel on the lunar surface with solar panels. Without the rover, it will be impossible for the lander to work. The rover will deliver the required scientific payloads that automatically conducts surface and subsurface experiments.
We have the same wishes for Vikram, Orbiter.
Want to stay in touch with Vikram and Pragyan as they make their way to the untouched lunar South Pole and uncover its many mysteries? Then keep an eye out for the next edition of #CY2Chronicles! pic.twitter.com/2iA8W2lxtR— ISRO (@isro) September 6, 2019
The lander will touch down near the south pole of the moon soon after midnight. The expectations are high because this is the first time India is making an attempt to soft land on the moon. The ISRO sources are confident because they have successfully executed the trans-lunar and lunar orbit insertion manoeuvres. Meanwhile, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan added that the final 15 minutes are crucial and is like a terror.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and revealed that the ultimate moment that 130 crore Indians were waiting is here. The final descent of Chandrayaan 2 will take place on the Lunar South Pole. He also mentioned that India and the rest of the world will see the exemplary prowess of our space scientists.
Modi added that he is excited to visit the ISRO Centre in Bengaluru to witness the extraordinary moment in the history of India’s space program. Moreover, over 75 students all over India will watch the special moments along with Modi including students from Bhutan. The students are selected based on the ISRO Space Quiz on MyGov.
I am extremely excited to be at the ISRO Centre in Bengaluru to witness the extraordinary moment in the history of India’s space programme. Youngsters from different states will also be present to watch those special moments! There would also be youngsters from Bhutan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2019
Modi disclosed that the large scale participation in this Quiz showcases the interest of the youth in science and space. He also requested viewers to share pictures of the Chandrayaan 2 descending on to the Lunar South Pole and also assured that he will share on social media.
I urge you all to watch the special moments of Chandrayaan – 2 descending on to the Lunar South Pole! Do share your photos on social media. I will re-tweet some of them too.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2019
If ISRO manages to soft land Chandrayaan 2, then we will be the first country to land on the lunar south pole on the first attempt itself. We wish Chandrayaan 2 happy landing.
