Question : CHANDRAYAAN-II



(a) the current status of Chandrayaan-II mission;

(b) the benefits that are likely to accrue to the country on accomplishing this mission; and

(c) the efforts being made to complete the mission within the stipulated timeframe?

Answer given by the minister



MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a) The configuration of Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter and Rover has been worked out and hardware realization has been initiated. A proto model of Rover has been realized and tests are being conducted in the lunar terrain test facility, which has been developed for this mission. The development of subsystems for the Indian Lander has been initiated. The Payloads for the Lander are finalised and a few possible landing sites have been identified, through the images obtained from earlier Moon missions, for soft landing of Indian Lander. Chandrayaan-2 mission is reconfigured with an Indian Orbiter, Lander and Rover for in-situ investigation of the lunar surface. The revised Chandrayaan-2 mission with Indian Lander is currently under process in ISRO for approval by the Government.

(b) The benefits that are likely to accrue to the country on accomplishing this mission include upgradation of Indian technological capabilities, enhanced understanding of moon’s surface and environment and opportunities for younger generation in the country for planetary research.

(c) A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle is identified for Chandrayaan-2 mission. The development of Indian Lander involves many new technologies in the areas of Navigation, control & guidance, Sensors, Leg mechanism and Reaction control systems, soft landing strategy, hazard avoidance and Mission planning. A team has been identified for the realisation of Lander. Review mechanisms are in place for review of the new designs and developments. Specialist committees are in place for finalisation of the critical systems in this mission.

Based on the assessment of the progress, the project is likely to be completed by 2016-2017.

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