When was Chandrayaan-2 Launched?
Chandrayaan-2: A Historic Launch Date in India's Lunar Exploration
Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, marked a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chandrayaan-2 aimed to further our understanding of the Moon’s surface, composition, and evolution. In this article, we delve into the historic launch date of Chandrayaan-2, which captivated the nation and the world.
The Countdown Begins:
The much-anticipated launch of Chandrayaan-2 took place on July 22, 2019, marking a momentous day in India’s space exploration history. The launch occurred from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India’s primary spaceport. The center, situated on India’s east coast, provides an ideal location for launching spacecraft into various orbits, including interplanetary missions.
The GSLV Mk III Rocket:
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), India’s most powerful launch vehicle at the time, was responsible for propelling Chandrayaan-2 towards its lunar destination. This rocket, designed and developed by ISRO, is capable of carrying heavy payloads and has become a vital asset in India’s space program.
The Journey to the Moon:
Following the successful launch, Chandrayaan-2 embarked on an intricate trajectory, beginning its journey towards the Moon. Over the course of several weeks, the spacecraft underwent a series of precisely calculated maneuvers to gradually raise its orbit, allowing it to escape Earth’s gravitational pull and enter the lunar transfer trajectory.
Orbiter, Lander, and Rover:
Chandrayaan-2 consisted of three key components: the Orbiter, the Vikram Lander, and the Pragyan Rover. The Orbiter, weighing approximately 2,379 kilograms, served as the main spacecraft responsible for orbiting the Moon and conducting scientific observations. It carried a suite of advanced instruments to study the lunar surface, map its topography, analyze mineralogy, and study the exosphere.
The Vikram Lander, named after Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, one of the pioneers of India’s space program, was designed to make a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole. Upon touchdown, the Lander aimed to release the Pragyan Rover, a six-wheeled robotic vehicle, for surface exploration. The Rover was equipped with scientific instruments to study the lunar regolith, analyze elemental composition, and perform in-situ experiments.
A Setback and Achievements:
While Chandrayaan-2 achieved significant milestones, it encountered a setback during the landing phase. The Vikram Lander, moments before touchdown, experienced challenges and had a hard landing on the lunar surface. Despite this, the Orbiter component continued its mission, capturing valuable data and transmitting high-resolution images of the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, etched a remarkable date in India’s space exploration history. The successful launch of the mission showcased the nation’s growing capabilities in scientific research, technological advancement, and space exploration. Although the landing setback was a disappointment, the achievements and data gathered by the Orbiter component contribute to our ever-expanding understanding of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-2 stands as a testament to India’s commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring the cosmos, and contributing to global scientific knowledge. With each mission, ISRO continues to inspire the nation and the world, fueling the curiosity and aspirations of future generations in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of space.