ISRO confirmed that it lost contact with Lander Vikram at 2.1 km from the moon’s surface. The communication was restored after the brief cutoff, however, the scientists were unable ro determine the location of the lander.
Bengaluru| A tense moment gripped the ISRO scientist as India’s ambitious moon mission Chandrayaan 2 entered its last phase. The lander Vikram which is carrying the rover Pragyan, was expected to land on lunar south polar region. However, the lander lost contact with the space centre’s control room at last moment sending a shockwave across the scientists.
The grim faces and and the palpable tension was visible as ISRO chairman K Sivan briefed the Prime Minister who was sitting in a VIP gallary. After briefing the PM, Sivan seemed broken into tears who was consoled by his colleagues.
Later, the space agency confirmed that it lost contact with Lander Vikram at 2.1 km from the moon’s surface. The communication was restored after the brief cutoff, however, the scientists were unable ro determine the location of the lander. The data is being analysed now, Sivan said clearly heartbroken.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Modi who was present at ISRO’s Bengaluru praised the scientists for their hardwork. Surrounded by gloomy faces, Modi said, “There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation is proud of you.” Modi in an effort to cheer up the scientist further asked them to hope for the best. “I congratulate you. You all have done abig service to Science, nation and the mankind,” said Modi.
PM Narendra Modi at ISRO: There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation in proud of you. Hope for the best. I congratulate you. You all have done a big service to nation, science and mankind. I am with you all the way, move forward bravely. pic.twitter.com/h6r1kwYlsC
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2019
Later in a tweet PM Modi said that it is tine to be courageous.
The 978 crore Chandrayaan 2 mission is India’s second ambitious moon mission. It is also said to be a precursor to Gaganyaan mission which aims to send three Indians to space by 2022.
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