Chandrayaan 2 Lander homing on in moon

Special Correspondent (New Delhi): Chndrayaan 2 lander homing on in the moon. Vikram’s orbit is 35 km from the lunar surface, planned to a touchdown early on Saturday. The lander and rover carry our experiments to find water on the lunar surface and map for topography and chemicals.

According to planning the second and probably the last maneuver on the ladder before it reaches the lunar surface took place on Wednesday at 3.45 a.m.

Lander was set at the orbit of 109 Km X 120 Km and after the nine-second operation, it goes around the moon in orbit of 35 Km X 101 Km, a new orbit.

Indian Space Research said: “With this maneuver, the required orbit for the Vikram lander to commence its descent towards the surface of the moon is achieved. The lander is scheduled to [make a] powered descent between 0100 and 0200 hrs IST on September 7, which is then followed by the lander’s touchdown between 0130 and 0230 hrs IST.”, according to updates.

Lander and Orbiter both are healthy, they said. The Primary Chndrayaan-2 orbiter continues to orbit keep orbiting the moon spaced of 96 Km X 125 Km.

Previous orbit 119 X 127 Km, September 1 seems to be slightly trimmed again on Tuesday but it is not confirmed.

For mapping the lunar surface and study the outer atmosphere of the Moon, orbiter carries eight scientific payloads while Lander lifts three scientific payloads to perform subsurface and surface science experiments.

To enhance the comprehension of the lunar surface, the Rover carries two payloads. To demonstrate and develop the key technologies from beginning to end lunar mission capabilities including landing and roving, according to ISRO.

For a better understanding of the evolution and origin of the moon, this mission further plans for detailed studying of moon’s mineralogy, topography, thermophysical characteristics, the chemical composition of the surface, and atmosphere, the space agency said.

Successful completion of this project will make India the fourth country, after Russia, The US and China to execute soft landing on the moon.