For Chandrayaan 2, it is a big moment today as the lander-rover separated successfully from the orbiter at 01.15 pm IST.
India’s second mission to the moon and the first of its kind to the southernmost part of the moon, will now begin its journey towards the moon. The final orbit lowering manoeuvre of Chandrayaan 2 was conducted by scientists at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday evening.
Earlier, we had reported that the Lander – Vikram and the rover called Pragyan will separate out of the orbiter between 12:45 and 1:45 pm on September 2, Monday. The propulsion system on-board the indigenously developed lander will be operated for the first time after the separation move. this was carried out successfully at 01:15 pm IST.
#ISRO
Vikram Lander Successfully separates from #Chandrayaan2 Orbiter today (September 02, 2019) at 1315 hrs IST.For details please visit https://t.co/mSgp79R8YP pic.twitter.com/jP7kIwuZxH
— ISRO (@isro) September 2, 2019
After this, the actual landing on the moon will happen on September 7. The spacecraft is expected to touch down on the moon’s surface in the early hours of the morning of September 7. Post this, the rover will examine the lunar surface, search for water, and probe craters and traps. It will take key photographs of the moon’s surface that could bring forth answers to many solar system related issues.
Chandrayaan 2 has consistently been sending pictures of the Moon that have been released by the Indian Space Research Organisation from time to time.
So, what could be some hindrances in the process? The backflow of the lunar dust could be one of the concern points. A fifth central engine was added to prevent the lunar dust from covering the lander and will be switched on reaching the altitude of 13 m.
ISRO chairman K Sivan had said that soft-landing on the moon would be a “terrifying moment” as it is something the space agency would do for the first time.
A successful landing on the lunar surface will make India the fourth country in the world after the US, USSR, and China to soft-land on the moon.
Chandrayaan will continue circling the moon in a tighter orbit until reaching a distance of about 100 kilometers from its surface. Once, it lands on the surface a rover will search for water deposits that were confirmed by India’s first mission to the moon Chandrayaan.