The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working hard to ensure the launch of India’s second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan 2, goes on schedule. To showcase the progress, ISRO has invited journalists at its Bengaluru testing facility where we got our first look at the Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter and the Vikram Lander. Here is the first look at the orbiter and lander that will be a part of the Chandrayaan-2 mission from the Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment at ISRO. [caption id=“attachment_6797631” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter and Lander. Image credit: Tech2[/caption]
First and Exclusive picture of Chandrayaan-2 the lander and orbiter at @ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment #Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/DEov18nend
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 12, 2019
India’s second moon mission, Chandrayaan 2 has three modules: the Orbiter, Lander (Vikram) and the Rover (Pragyan). The Rover will be house inside the Lander according to ISRO. There will eight instruments on the orbiter, including a Laser Retroreflector from NASA, which is the only foreign payload in the mission. [caption id=“attachment_6797911” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Final tests are being conducted on the Orbiter. Image credit: Tech2[/caption] The five-legged lander, called Vikram, will have three instruments onboard. They include the Radio Anatomy of Moon-Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and an Atmosphere Probe (Rambha) that will measure the lunar subsurface density and changes. The Chandra Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) will be used to measure the thermal temperature around the south pole of the moon. The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will measure the seismicity or quake/ tremor-potential of the region.
(Also Read: An introduction to the GSLV MK-III, the launch platform that will make Chandrayaan 2 and Gaganyaan a reality ) “After launch into Earthbound orbit by GSLV MK-III, the integrated module will reach Moon orbit using Orbiter propulsion module. Subsequently, Lander will separate from the Orbiter and soft land at the predetermined site close to the lunar South Pole. Further, the Rover will roll out for carrying out scientific experiments on the lunar surface. Instruments are also mounted on Lander and Orbiter for carrying out scientific experiments,” said ISRO.
#InPics | View pictures of the modules of #Chandrayaan2, India's second lunar mission that is scheduled to be launched between July 9 and 16. pic.twitter.com/EEqTTOpO62
— Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) June 12, 2019
ISRO is looking at 15 July to launch the mission on its GSLV-MkIII rocket, with the Moon landing expected to take place on 6 or 7 September.
The viewing gallery at #ISITE, where @ISRO's #Chandrayaan2 is undergoing final checks, is decorated with some of @ISRO's biggest past successes – the #MarsOrbiterMission, or #Mangalyaan, for instance.
— Tech2 (@tech2eets) June 12, 2019
Here's a tiny replica of the wildly successful orbiter. #Chandrayaan2TheMoon pic.twitter.com/Pjez6K46fF
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRight now, ISRO scientists are conducting final tests on the orbiter’s antennae before it is shipped off to the island of Sriharikota for the launch next month.