Chandrayan-2, India’s 2nd Moon mission launched successfully by ISRO

July 22: India’s second Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-2 was launched successfully by ISRO on Monday. At 2:43 this afternoon, a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk-III) ‘Bahubali’ rocket blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This is the world ‘s first ever mission aimed towards a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region. The three-stage GSLV Mk-III rocket succesfully went through all the three stages and succesfully injected Chandrayaan-2 into a lower Earth orbit shortly after launch.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the occasion as a “special moment that will be etched in the annals of history. ”

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! pic.twitter.com/v1ETFneij0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2019

Chandrayaan-2 consists of three components: the orbiter, the lander and the rover. Once Chandrayaan-2 reaches the Moon, the orbiter will enter into an orbit around the satellite. In the first week of September, the lander — named Vikram — will detach from the orbiter and fly towards the Moon. On or around September 6, Vikram will land near the Moon’s south pole, a feat previously not achieved by any other country.