ISRO planning to launch Chandrayan-2 Mission around Apr 2018: Minister

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, on FEbruary 16, 2018, said that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch Chandrayan-2 Mission around April this year. Chandrayaan-2 is the country’s second mission to the moon, he added addressing a press conference on the achievements of Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy here.

” Chandraayan-2 is a challenging mission as for the first time we will carry an orbiter, a lander and a rover to the moon,” the Minister said. He said that it is a matter of pride that ISRO is launching Chandrayaan-2, which will place India at a new height in space technology, according to a PIB release.

Speaking on achievements of Department of Space, the Minister said that ISRO has achieved many milestones in recent years including launch of 104 satellites in single mission in February last year and the launch of South Asia Satellite which will boost ties with neighbours.

Regarding Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is using the technology for peaceful purposes and its applications have been diversified in various fields including electricity generation, agriculture and health sectors. He said that very soon it will be the source of meeting energy needs of the country in a cost-effective manner. He also said that Bhabha Kavach, a light weight bullet-proof jacket has been developed for security forces. He said that Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati is now an affiliate of the Tata Memorial Centre for Cancer, Mumbai.

The Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman Space Commission, Dr Sivan K said that the total cost of the Chandrayaan 2 mission will be about Rs 800 crore. He added if the mission’s launch does not take place in April due to unsuitable weather, the window for launch is open till October this year. He said that ISRO has successfully accomplished 48 missions including 21 Launch Vehicle missions, 24 Satellite missions and 3 Technology Demonstrators.