Chandrayaan-II to be launched by 2013: ISRO

Chandrayaan-II to be launched by 2013: ISROAfter the success of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO scientists have been working day and night for Chandrayaan-2, a moon mission for further exploring life prospects on the lunar surface. Madhavan Nair, the chairman of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) hoped that the body will try its best to launch the ambitious Chandrayaan-II, country’s second lunar mission, by 2013.  

He said: "Chandrayaan-II should take place by 2013. Our first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-I, has given us a substantial understanding about entering the moon's orbit. But ensuring the safe landing of the rover on the lunar surface is still an obstacle."

Mr. Madhvan, who has been awarded  M.P. Birla Memorial Award, 2009, for exceptional achievement in Space Science, said that parachutes can not be used on Moon due to lack of proper atmosphere on the lunar surface. He also added that ISRO has been working on more alternatives to make the second mission successful.

ISRO is also working on a geostationary satellite to help Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for better prediction of monsoon and clouds. The ISRO Chief said: "This satellite will be handed over to IMD within next 2-3 years. It'll help to track the reading of cloud shifts and changing monsoon patterns."