In a huge disappointment, communications from Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram lander to Indian Space Research Organisation’s ground station was lost before touchdown while the nation eagerly awaited its soft landing on the hitherto unexplored lunar south pole in the early hours of Saturday.
IMAGE: ISRO Chairman K Sivan after announcing that connection with the lander was lost during the soft landing of Vikram module of Chandrayaan 2 on lunar surface, in Bengaluru. Photograph: PTI Photo
Addressing the scientists after the link was snapped, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Nation is proud of you, be courageous.”
As the powered descent of the lander began around 1.38 am, scientists at ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network were glued to their terminals, anticipating the soft landing.
They clapped and cheered as the moon lander completed the rough braking phase before the fine braking phase started.
It was then that the scientists started becoming tense and went into a huddle.
ISRO Chairman K Sivan was seen engaged in intense discussions with some scientists.
IMAGE: Officials watch live telecast of the soft landing of Vikram module of Chandrayaan 2 on lunar surface as it starts fine breaking at ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network. Photograph: PTI Photo
Soon he announced that the Vikram lander descent was as planned and normal performance observed upto altitude of 2.1
km.
Subsequently communications from lander to ground station was lost, he said, adding the data was being analysed
The PM said “They’ve (scientists) given their best and have always made India proud.”
Modi also interacted with students and answered questions.
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