A GSLV rocket successfully launched from Shri Harikota launch center (also known as Satish Dhawan Space Centre) placed the satellite carrying Lunar orbiter and lander in the orbit on July 22. The satellite dubbed the Chandrayaan-2 was successfully placed in a bonus altitude of 6000 km roughly 16 and a half minutes after launch. 18 and a half minute later, the Mission Control at SHAR received the first signals from the satellite in orbit, confirming the successful separation and start-up of the satellite. Following, the entire staff of Mission Control erupted in joy and an endeavor, several years in the making, came one step closer to success.
What happens now?
- The inclusion of the satellite in the bonus altitude by the rocket has reduced the workload of the satellite team and saved time & valuable rocket fuel.
- This has placed the satellite on a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
- Over the next one-and-half months, the satellite team will have to undertake 15 very crucial’ maneuvers on the satellite to place it in the lunar orbit.
- Once in lunar orbit, ISRO plan to soft-land the Lander and the Rover on the Moon s surface by September 7, This is one day earlier than planned due to the time saved by the bonus altitude.
- The solar-powered rover and lander will work for a period of 14 Earth days in which the scientists expect to study the Moon in detail.
What had happened?
The launch of the Chandrayaan-2 was planned to initially take place on July 15 but had to delayed as the ISRO engineers discovered a technical snag on the launch vehicle. This led the launch to be postponed to July 22.