The much awaited Chandrayaan 2 launch finally took place in Sriharikota on 22nd July 2019. Chandrayaan-2 was launched by Satellite Launch Vehicle – Mark III (GSLV Mk III).
GSLV Mk III rocket is said to put into orbit the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft after 16 minutes of its flight.
Following are some amazing facts related to Chandrayaan 2 launch:
How many countries have launched Moon Missions till now?
India is the proud 4th nation apart after US, USSR and China to reach the moon. But, the thing all Indians should be proud of is that India will be the first country to explore the Lunar South Pole.
What is the objective of exploring the Lunar South Pole?
Evidence for water molecules discovered on the Moon by Chandrayaan-1, requires further studies on the extent of water molecule distribution on the surface, below the surface and in the tenuous lunar exosphere to address the origin of water on Moon.
The lunar South Pole is especially interesting because of the lunar surface area here that remains in shadow is much larger than that at the North Pole.
There is a strong possibility of the presence of water in permanently shadowed areas around it.
Why are we going to the Moon?
The primary objective of Chandrayaan-2 is to demonstrate the ability to soft-land on the lunar surface and operate a robotic rover on the surface. Scientific goals include studies of lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, the lunar exosphere, and signatures of hydroxyl and water ice.
Chandrayaan-2 Special Features
- First space mission to conduct a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region
- First Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface with home-grown technology
- First Indian mission to explore the lunar terrain with home-grown technology
- India has become the fourth country ever to soft land on the lunar surface.
The Chandrayaan 2 Project Cost
Earlier at the time of approval, the project cost was estimated around Rs 425 crore, excluding the launch costs and cost of the lander as Russia was supposed to provide the lander. However, in 2013 Russia pulled out and then ISRO decided to build the lander itself. After that, the project cost was estimated to be around Rs 978 crore out of which around Rs 603 crore were towards satellite development and the balance Rs 375 crore for the GSLV MK-III rocket.
Article Reference: www.business-standard.com
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