The Chandrayaan-2 is a Rs.

978 crore (less than 1/20th of the USA’s NASA) unmanned second moon
mission developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), under ISRO Chief K Sivan, after
Chandrayaan- 1. The mission was launched on July 22, 2019 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota by GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III). The mission was
approved in 2008, but the biggest challenge was the testing of lander and rover for which it was
necessary to create soil, gravity, luminous light and environment same as that of moon. For this, 70
tonnes of simulated lunar soil was required that is available in America. But instead of getting it from
America, the soil was studied and the same soil type composition was found at Tamil Nadu’s
Anothoncite Rocks that was similar to that of moon’s rocks. The surface was prepared and from
2015, 1000 times landing was practised. Since, the gravitational force of moon is six times less than
that of Earth, Helium gas was used.

It’s a highly complex mission involving lot of scientific research and engineering development, is
aimed to light upon the South Polar Region of moon- that is completely unexplored till now. It will
help in understanding the origin and evolution of moon and would give details about the possibility
of existence of life on moon.

The lander- ‘Vikram’ (named after Father of India’s space Programme- Vikram Sarabhai) was to land
on moon on September 7, 2019, the six-wheeled rover- ‘Pragyan’, powered by Artificial Intelligence
will separate out and carry out experiments on moon surface for period of 1 Lunar day (equals to 14
Earth days) and orbiter will continue its mission for a duration of one year, all of which are
developed in India.

But, the India’s mission suffered a setback just 69 seconds before the soft landing, when ‘Vikram’
lost its communication with ground stations. Thus, with this India lost its chance to be the first
country to study the South Polar Region of the moon. But, still, 90-95% of the mission’s objectives
have been said to be accomplished as orbiter will continue to give information about the
topography, mineral content and water molecules at the surface of the moon. Instead of one year,
as planned, the mission will last for seven years.

The whole country is proud on ISRO for what it has done for world, the humanity and science. PM
Modi also expressed his heartiest regards to the scientists. Global space industries are also proud on
India.

After this, India is planning to send three humans into orbit by 2022 through Gaganyaan, launch
Aditya L-1 that is India’s first solar mission by next year. There are also plans to build space station
and launch interplanetary missions to Mars and Venus.