ISRO Scientists lose contact with lander Vikram

September 7, 2019 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani No comments

As the entire nation is waiting eagerly for the descent of lander Vikram on the lunar space, unexpectedly it lost contact with the scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the last moment.

The descent of the lander was normal during the Chandrayaan 2 soft landing phase up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Yet, the communication was lost with the lander after that.

Scientists are analyzing the data to address the issue. As there is no update about the lander, the data from the orbiter would be analyzed to arrive at a conclusion.

The lander Vikram was 35 km from the lunar surface when power descent began, and the powered descent was smooth up to an altitude of 2.1 km. After that, it lost communication with the ground station.

The lander Vikram is scheduled to a powered descent between 01:00 a.m. to 02:00 a.m. IST on September 9, 2019.

In order to achieve a soft-landing, the powered descent that had four phases was scheduled. Scientists said that the rough breaking phase was fine. Then fine breaking was initiated after that the communication has been lost with the lander.

Scientists cheered by clapping their hands as soon as the lander completed the rough breaking phase. However, tension began when the fine breaking phase began. Within the minutes of the initiation of the fine braking phase, the lander lost its communication.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who witnessed the proceedings at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centre, Bengaluru asked the scientists to be courageous and hope for the best.

Later, he tweeted that the country is proud of the scientists and these are moments to be courageous. The country remains hopeful for the best.

Prime Minister would address the nation in this context.

Image Credit: Image by p2722754 from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)