ISRO launched its 3,850 kg Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft at exactly 2.43 pm from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chandrayaan-2 consists of three segments – the Orbiter, the lander ‘Vikram’ and rover ‘Pragyan’. The lander has been named in memory of Vikram Sarabhai while Pragyan means wisdom in Sanskrit.
According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on the day of landing – estimated on September 7, the lander Vikram will separate from the Orbiter and then perform a series of complex manoeuvres comprising rough braking and fine braking. The separation will come five days after the orbiter enters the lunar orbit.
Meanwhile, President of India Ramnath Kovind congratulated the ISRO team of scientists for the historic feat. “The historic launch of #Chandrayaan2 from Sriharikota is a proud moment for all Indians. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers for furthering India’s indigenous space programme. May @ISRO continue to master new technologies, and continue to conquer new frontiers,” he tweeted.
Congratulating Indian scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Special moments that will be etched in the annals of our glorious history! The launch of #Chandrayaan2 illustrates the prowess of our scientists and the determination of 130 crore Indians to scale new frontiers of science. Every Indian is immensely proud today!”
Other political leaders and ministers congratulated the Indian space agency.
Meanwhile, ISRO headquarters started receiving signals from Chandrayaan-2.
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