CHENNAI, July 13:

The 20-hour countdown forthe launch of the prestigioussecond lunar mission,Chandrayaan-2, will commenceat the spaceport of Sriharikotatomorrow morning. The count-down would start at 0651 hrs onSunday morning, according toISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan.Stating that the launch prepara-tions were progressing smooth-ly, he said all the checks werebeing carried out and GSLV-Mk-III, India’s heaviest rocket,would lift off from the SecondLaunch Pad at 0251 hrs onMonday. During the count-down, propellant filling opera-tions would be carried in the 44metre tall three-stage vehicle,which uses the cryogenic enginein the third stage.

This mission will help ISROgain a better understanding ofthe origin and evolution of theMoon by conducting detailedtopographical studies, compre-hensive mineralogical analyses,and a host of other experiments

on the lunar surface. It wouldalso explore discoveries madeby Chandrayaan 1, such as thepresence of water molecules onthe Moon and new rock typeswith unique chemical composi-tion. Through this mission,ISRO aims to expand India’sfootprint in space, inspire afuture generation of scientists,engineers and explorers and sur-pass international aspirations.About 16 minutes after lift off,Chandrayaan-2 will be injectedinto an earth parking 170 x40,400 km orbit. A series ofmaneuvers will be carried out toraise its orbit and putChandrayaan-2 on LunarTransfer Trajectory.

On entering Moon’s sphereof influence, on-board thrusterswill slow down the spacecraftfor Lunar Capture. The Orbit ofChandrayaan-2 around themoon will be circularized to100x100 km orbit through aseries of orbital maneuvers. Onthe day of landing, the landerwill separate from the Orbiterand then perform a series of

complex maneuvers comprisingof rough braking and fine brak-ing.

Imaging of the landing siteregion prior to landing will bedone for finding safe and haz-ard-free zones.

The lander-Vikram willfinally land near South Pole ofthe moon on September six andsubsequently, Rover will roll out

and carry out experiments onLunar surface for a period ofone Lunar day which is equal to14 Earth days.(UNI)

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Countdown for Chandrayaan-2 begins today