The lander Vikram crashed on the surface of the moon while attempting a soft-land. As per ISRO, the lander’s trajectory started to deviate at about 2.1 km above the lunar surface after which the mission control lost all communication with the lander. Despite persistent efforts of several weeks, the agency failed to re-establish the contact. However, the Chandrayaan-2 mission is said to be 95-98% successful as all the instruments are functioning well and sending back data to ISRO. What comes as a piece of great news is that, moon mission successor, Chandrayaan-3 may be launched somewhere in early 2021.
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Chandrayaan-3 Was Earlier Scheduled For 2020
The Minister of State for the Department of Space, Jitendra Singh recently announced that the third lunar mission was earlier scheduled for 2020. However, the ongoing pandemic and the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the virus, has stalled many of ISRO’s preparations for Chandrayaan-3. ISRO had pushed the Gaganyaan mission to a later date earlier in June. Visit The Star Wars Like Space Pod Hostel In Iceland.
Chandrayaan-3 Will Not Carry An Orbiter
In what seems like a second attempt, the ISRO is aiming to achieve a soft landing on the least-explored south pole of the lunar surface. Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan 3 will not carry an orbiter but will be equipped with a rover and a lander to study the lunar surface. Plus, the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter will be used for communicating with the lander and rover of Chandrayaan-3. 25 Pictures Of The Most Magical Places On Earth You Won’t Believe Exist.
ISRO To Prioritise on Strengthening Of The Legs Of The Orbitor
Reports have also suggested that ISRO scientists will also be considering incorporating improvements after analysing what went wrong in the previous mission. This time, the Indian space agency would prioritise on ‘strengthening the legs of the lander’ to improve its chances of survival in the event of another crash.
ISRO To Create Artificial Crater Near Bengaluru
The Indian Space Research Organisation, will be creating artificial moon creators in Ullarthi Kavalu, Challakere about 215 km from Bengaluru. The craters would be 10 metres in diameter and have 3 metres depth. The craters are meant to stimulate the lunar surface on which Chandraayan-3 would land. The sensors will also undergo a crucial test which will involve flying the sensor on an aircraft over the artificial lunar site. Did You Know These 10 Amazing Facts About India?
On the other hand, ISRO continues to work on one of its most anticipated missions, Gaganyaan—the first-ever human space mission. The astronauts are being trained in Russia, and a couple of uncrewed precursor missions are likely to take off next year.